Mangaluru prison inmates’ efforts bear fruit

Two months ago, the inmates of Mangaluru District Prison planted seeds of radish in the vacant plot behind the women’s barrack. It has now grown and started yielding radish, which is being used since last a few days for lunch at the prison

Two months ago, the inmates of Mangaluru District Prison planted seeds of radish in the vacant plot behind the women’s barrack. It has now grown and started yielding radish, which is being used since last a few days for lunch at the prison.

Radish is among the vegetables being grown in the vacant portion of land, which was earlier a barrack. Following construction of the new barrack, the land remained disused and shrubs had grown.

Superintendent of Prisons B.T. Obaleshappa took step to clear the shrub and level the land. Apart from radish, the inmates and personnel are growing tomatoes, green chillis, cucumbers, ash gourds (Boodagumbalakai), and spinach. They have planted around 100 saplings of banana. Vegetables are being grown in the open area in the women’s barrack.

Following training by retired Assistant Horticultural Officer Jagannath, some of inmates have started preparing saplings of arecanut.

“These saplings have grown nicely and they are now ready for sale,” said Mr. Obaleshappa. The inmates have also prepared saplings of ornamental plants and of Royal Palms.

The inmates have also continued with preparing artificial garlands following training conducted by Sri Kshetra Dharmastala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP).

They are also preparing semi handicraft items by joining carved wooden pieces following training by K. Narendra Shenoy from Lamin Frame Gallery.