The four-decade-old Tamil Nadu government fruit farm (TNGFF) at Karumandurai in Salem — the biggest in the state and South Asia — will soon blossom into an eco-tourism spot. The farm, started in 1981 and spread across 1,037 acres, generates revenues of more than Rs 1 crore annually from its more than two lakh saplings of mango, one lakh guava plants, one lakh supari plants, 20,000 sapota trees and 10,000 of pomegranate plants as well as banana and jack fruit trees.

Every year, say officials here, the farm produces more than 6 lakh of fruit plants.

And now, the public is going to get a chance to see how it all happens. “The process of setting up the eco-tourism spot is under process,” says T Tamilselvi, deputy director of the horticulture department. “We have given 25 acres of land to the Tamil Nadu tourism department for development. Officials from the tourism department have visited the farm.”

For several years now, villagers from Karumandurai have been demanding that the state government construct an agricultural college here as well as turn the fruit farm into a park like has been done at the Kallar fruit farm in Nilgiris. The TNGFF is known for producing disease-free quality nursery plants for distribution to fruit growers, nursery owners, and gardeners across the state.

It also boasts state-of-theart facilities for insect proof screen houses and soil sterilisation yards, where nursery plants are grown under the observation by a team of pathologists, entomologists and horticulturists.

“There are two natural ponds in the farm,” says Karumandurai Vadakkunadu panchayat president S Venkatesan. “It would be good if walking pathways are constructed near the ponds. There is also space for an aviary, childrens’ park, boat house, viewing points and sheltering huts. Though the farm is over 1,087 acres, the government has been using only 200 acres. The rest of the place is unused. These amenities could be added here.”

Venkatesan also suggested setting up an agriculture college and horticulture colleges in the farm for the welfare of the Salem, Namakkal, Kallakurichi and Villupuram district students. The horticulture department has 66 fruit farms across the state.