JOIN USFrom home grown organic vegetables to pickles and handbags, the Swavalambi santhe brought back the memories of weekly market in the villages.
The Santhe was organised by Savayava Krishika Grahaka Balaga, at the premises of Sahitya Kendra, on P M Rao Road on Sunday. A large number of people thronged the venue to purchase organic produce.
More than 50 persons from the district had participated in the event. “Savayava Santhe aims at promoting organic produce. The purpose of the event is to inculcate awareness among people about the health benefits of consuming organic products and promoting organic farming,” said organisers.
Hemalatha of Jalligudde, a social worker cum organic farmer from past two years sold vegetables, pickles of mango, lemon and ‘Maapala’. Kalavati of Kervashe of Karkala had come with handbags.
“I am into the business for the last 12 years. Initially I had a tough time in convincing the customers,” she said. Shantharam Bhat of Puttur had come with bamboo rice.
Desi Uthana Associates sold specially made sajji roti, ennegai pallya and other items on the occasion.
P N Subramanya- R Triveni couple were busy marketing their herbal products. Subramanya, an employee at NITK, Surathkal, said that his herbal products like phenyl are available in five varieties. He was also seen selling herbal oil, herbal dish wash, multi-purpose cleaning liquid etc.
Carpenter
Ramesh Bhat of Konkanaje near Venur, a farmer cum carpenter can create wonder with a waste piece of wood, leather and coconut shells. Bhat, who learnt carpentry by himself, now has 14 years of experience in the field. He also prepares Chende sticks and headgear of Yakshagana artistes. Along with this, he is expert in door and sofa designing.
‘Needs a platform’
Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim said that Mangalore City Corporation should provide a permanent shelter for organic farmers to market their produce. “There is a need for creating awareness among people,” he said.
Corporation Bank General Manager Laxminath Reddy, Corporator Poornima, Savayava Krishika Grahaka Balaga President Addoor Krishna Rao and Kalkura Foundation President Pradeep Kumar Kalkura were present.