Gujarat Government decides to rename dragon fruit 'Kamalam'
The Gujarat Government has decided to rename dragon fruit as Kamalam, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani informed on Tuesday. "The State Government has applied for a patent to change the nomenclature of dragon fruit, which is largely grown in Kutch, Navsari, and different parts of Saurashtra, to Kamalam," Rupani told reporters. Kamalam in Sanskrit means lotus.
Name given as farmers say the fruit looks like lotus
"The name dragon fruit is not proper, and due to its name, one thinks of China. So we have given it the name Kamalam," the CM said. Asked why the name Kamalam has been given to the fruit, Rupani said, "Farmers say it looks like lotus and that is the reason we have named it Kamalam."
There is nothing political behind renaming the fruit: Rupani
Kamal, or lotus, is the poll symbol of the BJP, and the Gujarat party unit headquarter is named Shri Kamalam. "There is nothing political behind renaming the fruit," Rupani said. "The fruit is found in arid areas of Gujarat and is known for its nutritional value. It also helps increase hemoglobin," Rupani said in reply to a question on the need to rename it.
Change in nomenclature is yet to find way among masses
Rupani said, "It is the most expensive fruit available in the market at this time." The change in nomenclature of the fruit is yet to find its way among masses and farmers. Ahmedabad-based housewife Gayatri Vyas, who regularly eats the fruit for its nutritional value, said she is not aware that it has been changed as it is available as dragon fruit in markets.
The fruit is recommended to be eaten for boosting immunity
The fruit comes from several different cactus species and is recommended for consumption to boost immunity. Lately, cultivators from some of the state's arid regions like Kutch have largely taken up farming of this fruit.
