Good response for organics and millets fair

The organics and millets fair organised by the Department of agriculture was inaugurated at Government IDSG College grounds in Chikkamagaluru on Saturday.

The visitors were introduced to a variety of millets at the fair. Organic farmers federation from Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Shivamogga, Hassan, Udupi, Mangaluru, Vijayapura, Dharwad, Kalburgi, Mysuru, Hyderabad, Chitradurga, Davangere and members of women organisations had opened their stalls at the venue.

Majority of the stalls were selling Baragu, Sajje, Haraka, Jowar, Ragi, Udalu, Navane, Saame, Korle and other millets. Farmers were also seen purchasing seeds.

Delicacies made of millets and medicines, beauty products, organic vegetables, organic jaggery, farm implements, dresses were on sale.

There was good demand for chocolates, happala, roti made of millets, onion happala, nippattu, garlic happala, tomato hallapa, kodubale, veelyadele chutneypudi, drumstick leaves chutneypudi, agasebeeja, ragi biscuits and pickles.

DK, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru Savayava Krishikara Okkuta President D M Anilraj said, “We have been processing organic produce and selling it after packing it since 2016. The farmers are benefiting from the federation.”

Bhoomi Farm Fresh convener Shwetha said millets and organic vegetables are procured from Hassan, Kodagu and Davangere districts.

Mallikarjuna Organics owner Rakesh said, “We have been following organic methods of farming since my grandfather’s time. Now, we have engaged in producing millet products and selling it. There is a demand for organic vegetables from restaurants in Delhi and Mumbai.”

Farmer Rangappa Gowda said, “I have purchased brinjal seeds and insecticides. I have also collected information on organic farming. Such melas should be organised to benefit the farmers.”