 The news is out that this year's annual Konkan Fruit Fest (KFF) was not as attractive as the fruit fests of years gone by. The three day festival wrapped on Sunday evening. Many city people did troup to the fete with their families to take in the fruit on display, most particularly different varieties of mangoes. Of course, truth be told that they were even happier had they been able to taste the fruit. Various stalls by self help groups sold fruit products like mango pickles and jams from various fruits. There were actually very few stalls that sold juices. Many of the people taking in some of the more exotic selection of mangoes were frustrated to see signs that said "not for sale." Fruit Fest or KFF was hald in the most beautiful spot in the city, the promenade opposite the Panjim market. Stalls in place by the Department of Agriculture carried a wide array of other fruits beyond mangoes, including Ornamental Areca, Love Apple, Karonda (Carissa Caronda), Cocum, Ixora, Jamum, and Rose apple. The Goa Botanical Society also presented a varied and interesting fruit display. However, that organization did not have anything on sale. The stall of Krishi Vigyan Kendra also boosted different type of mangoes, some varieties of mangoes of Goa which have become very rare today around the world. This included such varieties as: Salgadin, Rotta, Mancurad keni, Ball, Jesuit and Monteiro as well as others. KFF was organized by the Botanical Society of Goa in coordination with Department of Agriculture as well as the City of Panjim. |
