Thodupuzha municipality chairperson Safiya Jabbar inaugurates the four-day eventThodupuzha: The Karshika Mela, hosted by Malayala Manorama-Karshakasree, has begun at the Newman College ground here. Thodupuzha municipality chairperson Safiya Jabbar inaugurated the four-day event. Rev. Dr. Vincent Nedungattu, principal of Newman's college, chaired the function in which prominent farmers from the district were felicitated.
K Lal John, vice-president of personnel and administration wing of Malayala Manorama; and T K Sunil Kumar, Karshakashree assistant editor; were among those who spoke at the event.
The news and photography exhibition, being held as part of the festival, was inaugurated by Idukki district police chief K B Venugopal. The history of Idukki, its culture, demographics, special geographical features, Idukki dam, forests, wild animals and various tourist spots are featured in the exhibition. This is the first time that Idukki has played host to the Karshakashree Karshika Mela.
The Karshakasree-2018 award for the best farmer in Kerala will be handed over to Swapna James of Palakkad by union minister of state for tourism Alphons Kannanthanam at 4 pm on Saturday. State agriculture minister V S Sunilkumar will preside over the function. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh and a gold ring.
Over 150 stalls by governmental, public sector and private sector agencies have been set up at the event venue. The festival will conclude on February 11.
Read more: Latest Kerala news | 5 lakh in Kerala still don't have a roof over their head
