In the fourth edition, Pooppoli goes global

KOZHIKODE: With a broad range of programmes and visual extravaganza, the fourth edition of Pooppoli, the agricultural and flower festival of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal, organised with the support of Kerala Agricultural University, has become a global fest this year with the presence of experts from across the globe and imported items on display.

Started in 2013, this year's Pooppoli aims at catering to 20 lakh people. Last year around 15 lakh people visited the exhibition-cum-sale festival that achieved the status of a carnival.

The venue of the international symposium has been designed in the shape of a houseboat. Another attraction is the rose garden that has more than 1800 varieties. A mini Taj Mahal also would attract the visitors.

RARS director P. Rajendran told DC that this year the festival is an international one with an international symposium on succulents and other ornamental plants.
Conducted under the auspices of the International Society for Horticultural Scientists, the four-day programme will begin on January 24.

“Imported varieties of plants will add charisma to the fest," he added.
On the benefits of farming community, Mr Rajendran said that the event will provide a venue for the farmers to see the floral diversity, understand various agricultural technologies, and to purchase quality planting materials.

"January being the month preferred by a majority of tourists and schools to visit Wayanad, the fest will help generate interest towards agriculture and an occasion to learn advanced technologies in the field", he added.

Chief minister Oommen Chandy would inaugurate the 'Global Flori-fest'. In the first year itself the fest proved a big hit with five5 lakh visitors a revenue of Rs 50 lakh. In the second edition, more than 12 lakh people visited and the total revenue crossed Rs 1 crore.