From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Nov 7: The second edition of the International organic trade fair to promote organic farming in Karnataka will be held here from November 10 to 12.
A large numbers of exhibitors from different parts of country and world have confirmed their participation which is attracting, large number of foreign and domestic buyers in the event being held at Krishna Vihar in Palace Grounds.
The event is also supported by Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) of Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
A three-day fair would provide a platform for various stakeholders in farming, including farmers, companies, financial institutions, research organisations and traders, to display their services and products in organic farming.
The Karnataka Government has already unveiled its Organic Farming Policy and has been encouraging it by offering incentives.
Area under organic farming has grown many-fold during the last six years to 2009-10 in India on account of the thrust given to the chemical-free mode of cultivation.
From 42,000 hectares under organic certification in 2003-04, more than 4.4 million hectares area was under organic certification in the country as on March 2010.
Karnataka organized the India Organic trade fair for the first time at Bangalore in 2005.
The main attraction of this year’s fair will be a German Pavilion, many national and international exhibitors, State pavilion. The main components of the fair are exhibition, international seminar, food festival, organic buyer seller meets and other events.
Among the main exhibitors are: Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Nagaland, Sikkim, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkand, Chhattisgarh would set up pavilions and Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Pondichery, Mizoram, Tea Board, Coffee Board and Spices Board.
Former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda have stayed in villages to encourage farmers to take up organic farming.