Gandhinagar: The Gujarat Government has decided to rename dragon fruit as "Kamalam" as the outer shape of the fruit resembles a lotus, said Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Tuesday. "The State government has decided to rename Dragon Fruit. As the outer shape of the fruit resembles a lotus, hence Dragon Fruit shall be renamed as Kamalam," the Chief Minister was quoted by news agency ANI as saying. Kamalam in Sanskrit means 'Lotus'.
"The name of dragon fruit is associated with China and we have changed it," he added.
Dragon fruit, a recently turned popular addition to the diet in the state is a tropical fruit with a unique look and taste. It is widely grown in Bhuj, Gandhidham and Mandvi districts of the state.
The Gujarat Forest Department has also sent a petition to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research to name the fruit "Kamalam".
He also further added that there was no political intention behind the decision in changing the name.