Kerala - Kochi   

Taking the organic route to sustainable existence

BACK TO NATURE: A woman displaying a traditional item at the Organic Kerala Commodity Fair organised at the Town Hall in Kochi on Monday. — Photo: Vipin Chandran

More than eighty varieties of mango await Kochiites at the Ernakulam Town hall. From Puliyan to Kozhikolan and Baddhu, the mangoes on display are a rare treat to visitors at the Organic Kerala Commodity Fair that began at the Town hall on Monday. The event is being organised by the Organic Kerala Charitable Trust.

"We have also put some of the mangoes on sale. The collection was a hit during the fair held at Thrissur recently," says Anil of Alter Media, Thrissur. Engaged in promotion of organic food items, Alter Media offers several products like organic biscuits and coriander powder. Anil says that books related to organic farming are also available at their stall.

`Rainmaker' is the most popular item in the stall set up by craftsmen from Uravu in Wayanad.

"Made out of bamboo, rainmaker gives you the sound of rain. We have put cereals inside the bamboo to get this sound," says Thomas, representing the organisation.

Priced in the Rs.170-Rs. 220 range, the rainmaker is one among the several other items displayed by Uravu. Thomas says that lampshades and ornaments made of bamboo are also a hit among the visitors.

K.K. Narendran, former judge of the Kerala High Court, who is the Chairman of the Organic Kerala Charitable Trust, says that the fair would provide a comprehensive view of healthy living.

An array of forest produces, natural products and organic rice and vegetable varieties will be on display, he said.

Exhibition and sale of organically produced commodities, an ethnic food festival, seminars and discussions on healthy living will be part of the show. Eminent practitioners of organic agriculture and experts on sustainable waste management will participate in the show that is supported by the Ernakulam District Panchayat and agencies of the State and Central Governments.

Leading non-governmental agencies, involved in organic waste management, will participate in the show.

Management of waste should be linked to agriculture so that it becomes sustainable, said the spokesman for the organisers.

Demonstration and free consultation facility for organic and sustainable management of waste will be one of the major features of the four-day event. Local food specialities will be prepared at the exhibition venue for those interested in knowing about traditional food preparations.

The fair will conclude on April 26.

G. Krishnakumar

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