A three-day organic mango and jackfruit festival commenced at Nexus Centre City Mall on Friday, bringing together organic farmers, consumers and horticulture experts under one roof.

Organised to create better market opportunities for farmers associated with clusters formed under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), an initiative of the Department of Horticulture, the festival showcases the rich diversity of mango and jackfruit varieties grown across Karnataka.

Noted wildlife photographers Krupakar and Senani and Joint Director of Horticulture Manjunath Angadi were among those present at the inauguration.

Organisers said visitors can explore nearly 80 varieties of mangoes and more than 35 varieties of jackfruit during the festival. The event seeks to promote direct interaction between organic growers and consumers while creating awareness about naturally ripened fruits and region-specific varieties.

The festival also features live demonstrations on preparing specialty food items using mango and jackfruit, allowing visitors to taste and purchase the products. Traditional foods and snacks prepared by farming families from different parts of the State are also on display and sale.

In addition, workshops on urban horticulture and natural soap-making using organic ingredients are being conducted as part of the event. The exhibition highlights the unique characteristics of individual mango varieties, their climatic suitability and the importance of naturally ripened produce.