Demand for organic produce outstrips supply

With growing awareness among consumers about the harmful effects of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, there is an increase in the number of organic stores in the city. There are nearly 20 organic stores spread across the city, many of them even offering home delivery and online order options.
Though the growing number of organic farmers in the district has enabled these shops to stock more products, they say they still find it difficult to meet their demand. “The demand for organic produce is good. While we stock all the fruits and leafy vegetables we grow in our farm in Thondamuthur, we also get produce from around 15 to 20 genuine organic farmers in the region,” said Rayson Rappai who started OTR farms and a store to sell their produce in Vadavalli, 11 years ago. “While we do get fruits, millets and pulses, sourcing all vegetables is a challenge,” he said.
Ramanathapuram-based Iyal organic store echoes Rappai’s sentiments. “Even last week, we had to buy organically cultivated tomatoes from Bangalore, because we could not source it locally,” said Karthik, who runs the store. “In terms of vegetables, we are often not able to meet our demand. While produce is growing, so is the demand, which is why prices of organic produce are slightly higher,” he said. “Also, when people constantly say organic farmers and acreage under organic cultivation is increasing, it can even mean coconut and betel leaf, but that does not fulfil our requirements,” says Rayson.
Though these exclusive organic stores do provide a ready-made market for farmers, officials and organic farmers say the government could do more for organic farmers. “Offering sops like an assured buy back or minimum price, damages or insurance during crop damage and ensuring all retail stores have an exclusive shelf for organic produce could encourage a lot of farmers,” said T Ravi, an organic farmer.