Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Sep 6: The festive season is in full swing with celebrations like Ganesh Chaturthi, Monti Fest, and Eid Milad occurring in quick succession. In preparation for Ganesh Chaturthi and Monti Fest, the demand for vegetables and other ingredients has significantly increased. To support local farmers, an organic vegetable market was held at St. Anne's Church in Thottam on September 6 and 7, coinciding with Monti Fest.

Farmers from areas such as Thottam, Thenkanidiyur, Badanidiyur, and Malpe participated in the event, bringing organically grown vegetables like okra, gourds, spinach, black-eyed peas, Malabar spinach, and other fresh produce directly from their farms to sell at the market. Members of the church and neighbouring parishes purchased the vegetables, contributing to the local agricultural economy. This initiative allowed farmers to sell directly to consumers without intermediaries or brokers.

The event was organized by the Catholic Sabha of Thottam Church, with support from the local Interfaith Harmony Committee. Customers were able to purchase fresh vegetables at lower prices directly from farmers, with the stipulation that only cash transactions were permitted, no digital payments were allowed. Additionally, buyers were encouraged to bring eco-friendly bags, promoting sustainability.

Monti Fest, also known as the harvest festival, is traditionally celebrated as a family event. The St. Vincent de Paul Society of the church provided assistance to underprivileged families within the community, ensuring everyone could celebrate the festival with joy alongside their loved ones.

Fr Denis D'Sa, the parish priest of St Anne's Church, highlighted that festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Monti Fest have deep connections to the environment. The organic vegetable market aimed not only to support local farmers but also to encourage the cultivation of organic produce, giving consumers the opportunity to purchase directly from growers.

One participating farmer, Gopal K from Badanidiyur, expressed his gratitude for the initiative, stating, "For many years, we have been growing vegetables using organic fertilizers at home and supplying them to local stores, but we were not receiving fair prices. Transportation to distant markets incurs additional costs, but this local vegetable market has provided us with better rates. We are thankful to the organizers."