The fair witnessed pan India participation from 65 plus vendors from 14 states, showcasing a wide range of produce and products ranging from pulses to nutraceuticals, fabrics, stationery, beverages, personal care products, among others. 

Farmers, co-operatives, traders and entrepreneurs from across the country will network with stakeholders, retailers, exporters, importers in the organic space with a focus on promoting organic farming through education and awareness. A few signature vendors at the event will showcase herb pillows and Ambastha flowers along with indigenous and organic rice varieties, paper products made from cow waste.

 

M Murali, MD, Sri Krishna Sweets was the Chief Guest while the guest speaker for the evening was Sabarmatee Tiki, founder of NGO Sambhav and a Nari Shakti Award 2018 winner. Prominent speakers at the event included Dr K Vijayalakshmi, co-founder CIKS (Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems who spoke on native varieties of rice. Later, this week, Avis Vishwanathan will moderate a panel discussion called Returning to Roots featuring three individuals from metros who have taken up farming full time.

Prachi, a farmer and a representative of Vihang, Organic and Sustainable Development centre, based in Nagpur tells us, “There is an essential need for us to educate citizens about the benefits of going back to native and indigenous forms of rice, millets and other produce. We are hoping that more youngsters begin understanding the goodness of organically grown traditional crops and opt for healthier lifestyles and food habits.”