Grape and Watermelon Mela: 10% discount both online and offline through HOPCOMS and ONDC platforms

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Grape and Watermelon Mela kicked off with a spectacular inauguration on Monday at Hutson Circle, presided by Karnataka's Transport Minister, Ramalinga Reddy.

The event promises a delightful treat for fruit enthusiasts, offering a 10% discount on a range of grape and watermelon varieties at Horticultural Producers' Co-operative Marketing and Processing Society (HOPCOMS) outlets.

HOPCOM President, N. Devaraj, expressed his optimism about the sales target for this year.

Speaking with News Trail he said, "Our goal is to sell a minimum of 500 tonnes of grapes and 1,000 tonnes of watermelons.

Importantly, this initiative ensures a direct connection between farmers and consumers, eliminating middlemen and directly benefiting farmers from across the state."

The Mela features a diverse selection of 11 grape varieties, including the popular Bangalore Blue, Thomson Seedless, Krishna Sharad, Sonaka, and Super Sonaka. Additionally, three watermelon varieties— Namdari, Kiran, and Yellow-fleshed watermelon— are available for purchase.

Devaraj highlighted the uniqueness of these fruits, describing them as "tasty, sweet, and unique."

The event is not limited to physical visits; customers can also avail of the 10% discount by purchasing these delectable fruits online. The ONCD platform, affiliated with the government, facilitates online transactions.

The Mela is set to run until February 29, providing ample time for fruit enthusiasts to explore and enjoy these special varieties.

Speaking with News Trail, the HOPCOMS stall manager at Hutson Circle expressed excitement about the overwhelming response.

"In just two days, we have had over 40 to 50 people purchasing grapes and watermelons. Our stall is now open all day exclusively for the Mela, catering to people from various professional backgrounds across the city."

The Grape And Watermelon Mela not only promises a delightful culinary experience but also serves as a platform supporting local farmers and fostering a direct connection between producers and consumers.