4th edition of Millets & Organics international trade fair coming up

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Over the last few years, the world has witnessed a sea change in the way people live. Post pandemic, people have become more conscious of healthy food and lifestyle and are switching to healthier diets and general well-being.

As the world looks for new choices in healthy and sustainable food, millets and organic food, the traditional food that has been grown and consumed over the ages, is fast emerging as the preferred diet. Karnataka has been a frontrunner in promoting organic produce and millets nationally and globally. The Government held three successful events in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The fourth edition of this mega event, “Millets & Organics – International Trade Fair 2023” will be held from January 20- 22 at Tripuravasini, Palace Ground, Bengaluru.

As a precursor to the main event, a Roadshow and press meet was held at Hotel Shangri–la on January 5th that was addressed by Noor Samad Abbalagere, and was attended by Minister for Agriculture, B C Patil and other dignitaries. The three day mega fair will have more than 300 stalls in the exhibition with over 78 companies having already booked 218 stalls and have a wide range of products in the millets, organics and naturals spheres.

An exclusive international pavilion with participation from organisations like IFOAM International, Germany, and IFOAM - South Korea, companies in the organic trade from UK, Malaysia, Uganda and Netherlands are scheduled.

There will be a conference on the theme, “Millets, Organics & Natural Farming: Opportunities amidst Challenges”, including key note addresses and panel discussions are in the pipe line. The speakers include experts from Government, development organisations, universities, and institutions.

The Karnataka Pavilion will showcase the smart agricultural policies, practices, technology, varied agro climates and soil of the state which makes Karnataka not just a producer, but the enabler of next generation smart food.

For Karnataka, it would offer the opportunity for stakeholders to showcase their Millet and organic produce, the diversity and the overall competence of farmers and farming groups.