Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, May 31: To encourage organic food culture for good health, the agriculture department hosted an 'Organic Mela' which was inaugurated by the Member of Parliament, Nalin Kumar Kateel here at Kadri Park on Tuesday, May 31.

Dr H Kempegowda, joint director of agriculture department welcomed the gathering and said "The Mela will offer a platform for horticulturists and agriculturists to exhibit and sell their produce to customers and create awareness among the latter on organic food. Organic products are grown with organic waste. The organic method of growing crops will safeguard biodiversity too. There is a need to educate people on these issues."

Addressing the gathering Nalin Kumar Kateel said "Organic farming is the most natural way of farming and awareness on organic farming is the need of the hour. Our district has culturally followed organic way of farming but due to the influence of chemical farming, we have switched to the latter form of farming keeping profit prospective in mind. But the chemical farming will affect the fertility of soil,"

"Some years back there was big agitation for manure and then government introduced an organic farming policy wherein farmers can produce organic manure through the machine. This resulted in natural production of manure in the fields at low cost and easier way. In our district, the farming is difficult due to the labour problem, weather conditions and many other factors. This is a very good move by the government to promote organic farming. The central government has also bought Mannu Card for farmers, Krishi Bheema Scheme and shortly there will be a scheme for organic farming. Our district is on the verge of becoming non agricultural district. So there is a need to promote organic farming through various programmes. I wish that this organic Mela will encourage more and more farmers to adopt organic farming." Nalin added.

ZP president, Meenakshi Shanthigodu, vice president, Kasturi Panja, DK Zilla Krishika Samaj president, S D Sampath Samraj, Prabhakar Mayya, DC AB Ibrahim, ZP CEO, Shreevidya and others were present.