New Delhi, January 20, 2018: Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Minister for Agriculture Shri Krishna Byre Gowda attend largest event to promote organic crops; Shri Sadananda Gowda, Minister of Statistics and Programme Implementation , declares 2018 ‘Year of Millets’
Bengaluru, 19 January 2018: The International Trade Fair on Organics and Millets, a special initiative of the government of Karnataka to promote millets and other traditional grains, and to give a boost to sustainable and organic farming, was inaugurated today at the Palace Grounds, Bengaluru. Honourable Chief Minister, Govt of Karnataka, Shri Siddaramaiah inaugurated the trade fair in the presence of chief guest govt of Karnataka minister Shri Krishna Byre Gowda. The function was presided over by Shri Roshan Baig, Minister for Urban Development, Government of Karnataka, and attended by stakeholders, experts, and members of the industry.
The International Trade Fair in Organics and Millets is a unique and important event in the country that looks to promote sustainable agricultural practices of cereals and millets. An initiative of the Department of Agriculture, Government of Karnataka, the trade fair is organised in collaboration with the KAPPEC as co-organisers, and the International Competence Center of Organic Agriculture as knowledge partners.
The International Trade Fair in Organics and Millets is particularly pertinent for Karnataka, as the state is already a leader in organic and millet production in the country. Innovative and timely schemes, and growing health-conscious population has given the sector a great boost, but the potential is immense and there are many more things to be done. The ITF recognizes the potential, and the current gaps, and aims to fill those need-gaps.
CM Shri Siddaramaiah had this to add: “It is important for us to raise awareness and promote millets in daily diets due to its nutritional value and ease of cultivation. We are a dry agriculture state and over the last 17 years only 3 have had no draught. We are very excited to be taking this step and we hope to make millets part of the daily diet again.”
Shri Krishna Byre Gowda, minister for agriculture, Govt of Karnataka lauded the efforts of the state’s farmers and agricultural producers for adopting to millets and organics, and envisioned a future where traditional grains and millets will once more rightfully take their place in every Indian’s plate. He added: “In an era of consciousness, we are aware about the food we eat, the impact the food we eat has on the farmers and the environmental impact of food products. With this conference we hope to bring about a change in dietary habits and promote a more sustainable future.”
The exhibition is a great showcase of products, crops, and more that are 100% organic and sustainable, and has exclusive pavilions and stalls of partnering states such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Meghalaya, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh. A Millet Recipe book featuring great dishes, was also launched at the inauguration of the fair. Corporates and private entities in agribusiness, agri retail, have also taken up stalls and are showcasing their products. Companies and brands such as MTR foods, Mother India Agro foods, Nature-Bio Foods, Big Basket, TAFE, and more have also established their presence in the exhibition and will showcase their product range to both trade and consumers. Mr. Varun Berry, Managing Director, Britannia Industries Ltd., expressed his delight at the inauguration of the event. He said: “Britannia currently produces roughly 110 tonnes of biscuits through the country. We expect to expand the health biscuit line by introducing millet lines and other grain based lines.”
A Farmer’s Workshop – facilitating knowledge sharing in sustainable and organic farming, among other topics – was inaugurated by Dr. Ashok Dalwai, the director of the National Rainfed Area Authority, Govt. of India. The highlight of the workshop is that it is held in Kannada, and experts and farmers conversed in that language. The Workshop will continue to feature more sessions over the next two days, and will discuss topics such as organic market trends, demands, organic certification process, and export potential. The workshop helps farmers understand both the technical and the commercial aspect of organic agribusiness. The ITF in Organics and Millets are on till the 21st of January, and is expected to play host to over 200,000 visitors – farmers, retailers, corporates, state and central government representatives, and consumers.
Corporate Comm India(CCI Newswire)
