The treasure outside

A food research institute on a former royal estate is surrounded by a wealth of biodiversity.

The Mysore maharajas built many houses in their capital. The one put to best use is the Cheluvamba Mansion. It houses the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI). Built in the early 20th century, this former residence of Princess Cheluvajammanni has been carefully restored. There is a dance hall with gilded balustrades and stained-glass windows. Other elegant features include decorative niches, column-lined corridors, a fountain, a grand staircase with cast iron balustrades, a corner tower that houses a water tank, and symmetrical domes.

What is less well known is that the campus harbours a range of flora and fauna. Outgoing Director V Prakash shows a coffee table book published to mark CFTRI's 60th anniversary. The Flora and Fauna of the CFTRI samples the ecosystem, showcasing some of its innumerable lifeforms.

Some trees are as old as the building. Varieties include banyan, fig, rain tree, divi-divi, noni, gulmohar, Nilgiri, Krishna siri and jacaranda. A dried-up tank is now a mini-forest. More formally, there are ornamental and medicinal plants, and flowers in cascades. Royal palms line the paths.

In 1950, says the book, there were 50 trees on campus. Now there are 6,000, and 450 species of smaller plants. Even weeds are valued: they act as soil cover. Grasses and sedges add to the biodiversity.

The greenery also attracts life. Snakes visit the thick grass. Birds feed on agricultural pests and help keep the environment clean. There are squirrels, mongoose, butterflies, wild hares, monkeys and bats.

CFTRI also undertakes plant research, including tissue culture of important and endangered varieties. Mysore lends its name to silk, sandalwood, betel leaves, mallige or jasmine flowers and Nanjangud plantains. Urbanisation has crowded such products out of the market, so CFTRI is working to conserve these biological landmarks.

"We need to preserve our flora and fauna," says Prakash, "so that generations to come will understand each of nature’s gifts better. The abundant wealth of nature on this campus is an example of the eco-maintenance and living-together of nature with the food scientists.”