Now, a shandy for organic farmers

HUBLI: A weekly shandy exclusively for trading organic produce has started at Gadag - a first-of-its-kind initiative by the horticulture department under its Horti-Clinic Scheme. The fair, besides intending to boost organic cultivation, will bridge the gap between farmers and organic food lovers. The month-old shandy has already received good response from both farmers and the buyers.The premises of the office of the deputy director of horticulture department hosts to the shandy on Tuesdays, to which only certified growers have access.
Horticulture department deputy director C K Medappa told TOI that Gadag farmers, who are known for innovative farming and have seriously taken up organic cultivation in over 500 hectares, were hitherto forced to go to Bangalore to sell their produce. "Hence, we decided to launch a weekly shandy exclusively for them. Thankfully, it turned out to be a hit," he added. Around 15 farmers from across the district bring to fair produce like brinjal, bhendi, cucumber, tomato, drumstick, leafy vegetables, chilli, coconut, lemon, guava, papaya and banana. Medappa said that though the prices of organic vegetables are bit more compared to others, the customers do not mind it because of their high nutritious content.
The members of Rotary Club, Akkana Balaga, Jagruti Mahila Vedike, and Inner Wheel Club are the major buyers. Nature-friendly farmers use only bio-degradable carry bags while selling the produce. Mallappa Halli, who has been growing a variety of vegetables and fruits at Lakkundi village, said the weekly fair is a boon to organic farmers. Medappa said that they are in touch with Hopcoms (Dharwad) to arrange a regular market for quality vegetables and fruits directly procured from certified growers. "Since public response to the weekly fair is encouraging, separate sales outlet will be shortly arranged," he added.