For the first time in Mysore, all organic products will be available under one roof for two days on February 9 and 10 in the ‘Organic Mela’ being organised by horticulture department, Mysore in association with Jaivik Krishik Society, Bangalore at Curzon Park

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The expo-cum-sale will also have products of geographical indication tag- the Mysooru Mallige (jasmine), Veelyedele (betel leaves) and Nanjangud Rasabale. More than 50 stalls will be set up by the department to facilitate direct sale from producers to consumers. Private organic industries, NGOs and farmers from across state will partake in the mela to cater healthy organic products to Mysoreans.

The department will strictly examine the products which will be put up on sale at the mela. Experts of the department and society will subject the commodities for chemical tests to ensure no products grown with use of any sort of chemical will enter the mela.

Organically grown food products, horticulture products, pulses and cereals, agricultural products ranging from traditional crops like bamboo, finger millets, variety of sesame, green leafy vegetables, fresh vegetables, fruits and much more exotic products like coorg oranges, red bananas will be sold at the mela.

That apart, the expo will also have medicinal herbs and products of ayurvedic importance. For foodies, various cuisines like fruit salad, chapathis, rotis and many other varieties will be prepared in more than five stalls dedicated for the purpose. People can even have taste of many types of fresh juices of sugarcane, lemon and others.

The stalls which will be provided to farmers especially at a nominal cost, a part of which will also be refunded.

To name a few, the mela will have participation of Arya Farm Products Pvt Ltd, Jaivika Krishikara Sangha, Banuli Krishikara Sangha, Swadeshi Bazar, Mysore Organics, Arambha Krushi Balaga, Savayuva Krishikaru, Nisarga and many more.

The mela will also have demo by experts about organic farming and products. Those interested to participate may register with the department within January 30. Applications are available at department offices and also in website of the department.

Senior assistant director of horticulture department M S Raju told Deccan Herald that, the mela will surely have footfall of more than a lakh as the Mango Mela organised last year attracted residents in large number.

Pointing out that the mela is organised to create awareness among people about the organic products, he said, there is a need to make mass understand that use of chemicals is not only harming the fertility of soil but also creating health hazards.
He said that only organic certified products will be allowed in the mela from certified organisations and farmers.