Date:11/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/11/stories/2006111120950300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Farmers find marketing their produce a difficult task

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: Though Venkatappa, a farmer from Andhra Pradesh, was happy that he had got a platform to exhibit organic produce from his farm at `India Organic 2006,' he said that marketing his produce was still very difficult. Venkatappa is not alone. Several farmers who are participating in the event expressed the same view.

India Organic has been organised for the second time by the International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA), the National Centre for Organic Farming (NCOF), Moraka Organic, Rajasthan, and the Union Ministry of Agriculture. It is being held at the Palace Grounds here and will be on till Sunday.

Lalramthara Heo, representative of the Directorate of Horticulture, Mizoram, said that their products, which include a few vegetables and fruits, sell well in their home State. "Our production is low. What we produce is sufficient for our own State. We are trying to expand our market base though," he said.

Samuel Calliansanga, another representative, said that they had applied for a certification to the Union Government. "Our application is being processed and since we are trying to sell our products in other States as well, this is a good platform," he said.

Another unique stall at the event was of Wayanad Social Service Society (WSSS). It has a partnership with 1,500 farmers in Wayanad district, Kerala.

The organisation, through its various activities, aims at socio-economic empowerment of the target group consisting of tribal people, women, small and marginal farmers, said Martin K.L., coordinator (marketing), WSSS. Aji Thomas of Angamali said there was a good market in Bangalore for Ayurveda products. "If we get farmers' groups to the city, they will have work for most part of the year," he said.

A few people were displeased about the way the event had been organised. A visitor complained that instead of setting an example by not using plastic, almost all stalls were packing their products in plastic bags. Visitors and farmers alike complained about the fact that they were made to buy drinking water at the food stall.