Date:31/08/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/08/31/stories/2005083103141900.htm

Back Karnataka to market organically grown items under `Jaivik'

A.J. Vinayak

Mangalore , Aug. 30

THE Department of Horticulture in Karnataka, which has taken steps to popularise the concept of organic farming among farmers, is now making efforts to market organically grown items under a brand name. `Jaivik,' as the name suggests, is an initiative in that regard.

Dr G.K. Vasanthakumar, Director, Department of Horticulture, told Business Line here on Tuesday that the aim of the department is to create a brand for organic food products in the national and international market.

The Jaivik Krishik Society - a nodal agency between the Government of Karnataka and the organic food producers - is approaching national and international certification and accreditation agencies for marketing the organic food products under the `Jaivik' name.

At present, some farmers are individually approaching these agencies for the certification of their products, which is a necessity for selling them in the market. The efforts to get certification for the organic food products of the society will help in its promotion as a brand. He said that the society has set up a retail outlet in the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens in Bangalore to promote its brand of products. Around 300 farmers are the members of the society. Of them, nearly 30 are actively into organic farming. Various vegetables and other crops grown by them have good demand in the domestic market. The `Jaivik' outlet at Lalbagh sells most of the vegetables and other farm items produced by them.

The activities of the society are not only limited for selling organic food products but also for popularising the organic farming concept. The members of the society regularly interact to share their experiences in organic farming, he said.

Meet in Nov: To share and gain from the experiences of national and international experts in the field of organic farming, the department will hold `India Organic 2005' - an organic farming convention - at Lalbagh in Bangalore from November 4 to 7. The event will also help in showcasing Indian organic food produces to the international market. Nearly 50 delegates from various parts of the world are likely to attend this event, he added.