State gets 2nd place in national organic awards

On the second day of Organics and Millets - 2018, the agriculture department signed nine MoUs with private companies in an effort to take organic products to the national and international markets.

Karnataka has also won the second place at the National Organic Awards behind Uttarakhand.

The Indian Institute of Millets Research signed the Memoranda of Understanding with five companies in the millets and food processing sector.

Agriculture minister Krishna Byre Gowda said trade activities on the first day of the event touched about Rs 20 crore. "Private companies dealt directly with farmers by signing deals worth Rs 5 crore. This would grow to Rs 50 crore," he said.

At the event, the minister also launched a range of ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products by private company Big Basket.

Central Food Processing Industries Department secretary Jagadish Prasad Meena said 40,000 companies have registered in the sector of organic millet processing. "Millet output is limited despite the huge demand for them across the globe," he said.

Uttarakhand environment and labour minister Harak Singh Rawat said his state has agreed to cooperate in the agriculture sector for the welfare of the farmers. "Ragi, once the staple of the poor, is much sought after by all now as it has proved to be part of healthy diet," he said.

Uttarakhand came first in the national organic awards, followed by Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. Six farmers and companies were also awarded for their contribution to organic and millet farming.

The show will conclude on Sunday.