A three-day ‘Flower, Fruit and Vegetable Exhibition and Competition’ has begun at Gandhi-Nehru Udyan in Raipur city on Saturday. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel inaugurated the exhibition on Saturday evening.

Addressing the inaugural programme, Chief Minister Baghel said, “It is the need of the hour that we nurture our connection with nature.” Recalling the Covid-19 pandemic situation, Baghel said that people in urban areas were more affected by the Coronavirus, while people connected to nature were less affected by the deadly virus. After recovering from Covid, now people have become more health conscious, he added.

The Chief Minister boosted the morale of the organisers saying that people are having a pleasant experience in this exhibition for years because of your hard work and dedication. There are many new things to know and understand for nature lovers through this exhibition.

After taking a look at the exhibition, CM Baghel said that various species of trees and plants ranging in age from 5 to 50 years, bonsai, gooseberry, lemon, greens and vegetables including the 48-year-old banyan tree has been displayed in this exhibition. He added that with a little effort, fruits and vegetables useful for the house can be grown on the

roofs of our houses. There is a special attachment with the trees planted by oneself. On this occasion, the CM visited various stalls of the exhibition. Flowers, fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants have been displayed in the exhibition. This exhibition has been organised by Prakriti Ki Ore Society, Raipur in collaboration with Department of Horticulture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Jindal Steel & Power Limited and Raipur Municipal Corporation. On this occasion, the Chief Minister presented mementos and certificates to Meghna Jain Tadela in the large garden category, Swati Shukla in medium garden category, Alka Bhargava in small garden category, Bharti Bhaskar in terrace garden category and Vivek Gautam for best garden. He also released the yearbook of Krishna Public School. Divyang Sadhna Dhand, Director of Kala Sadhna Sansthan, presented her sketch to the Chief Minister. Medicinal plants have also been displayed in the exhibition by the State Medicinal Plants Board. Culture Minister Amarjeet Bhagat, Chhattisgarh Housing Board Chairman Kuldeep Juneja, Advisor to Chief Minister Pradeep Sharma and others were also present on the occasion. President of Prakriti Ki Ore Society Daljit Bagga gave the welcome address. The Chief Minister honoured the organisers and judges of this exhibition and competition by presenting mementos.