Bhatkal: In a first-of-its-kind event, a Jackfruit and Fruit Products Fair will be held in Bhatkal from July 18 to 20, offering a wide variety of jackfruit-based and other fruit-related items. The mela is being jointly organized by Spandana Charitable Trust and Ranjan Indane Gas Agency, and will take place at Sri Raghavendra Math Hall, located in Maruti Nagar, Mankuli, near the Mood Bhatkal bypass along the National Highway.
Event coordinator Ganesh Shetty informed that the fair will feature both local and exotic varieties of jackfruit, including Chandra and Indonesian strains, alongside a wide range of value-added products. “This is not just a display of jackfruit varieties, but a celebration of its taste, nutrition, and versatility,” he said.
The fair will host around 70 stalls, offering an assortment of items such as jackfruit ice cream, holige (sweet flatbread), papad, chips, juice, and other processed delicacies. In addition, ayurvedic and homemade products, as well as fruit and flower saplings, will also be available for purchase.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Shetty noted that jackfruit is not only a regional delicacy but also a nutritional powerhouse. “The jackfruit mela aims to boost awareness, encourage value-added use of jackfruit, and provide marketing support to local farmers,” he added.
He also mentioned the success of a similar event recently held in Brahmavar, Udupi, which received a positive public response. “Responding to growing demand from Bhatkal residents, we are bringing this initiative to the town,” he said, encouraging people from Bhatkal and neighbouring taluks to take part in the fair.
Shivani Shantaram, owner of Ranjan Indane Gas Agency, urged the residents of Bhatkal to support the event and take advantage of the unique opportunity to explore jackfruit products in one place.