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67 MoUs signed; 24, 081 metric tonnes worth Rs. 153.9 crores
The second edition of the Organic and Millets International Trade Fair (ITF) 2019 came to a close recently. This largest of its kind event, organised by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Karnataka was a grand success with a large number of people including farmers, general public, students, scientists, businessmen and others visiting Palace Grounds over the last three days. The Organic and Millets International Trade Fair 2019 also witnessed the highest number of B2B meetings with several MOUs being signed both nationally and internationally. The valedictory function was presided over by Dr G Parameshwara, Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Karnataka; N H Shivashankara Reddy, Minister for Agriculture, Government of Karnataka; M Maheswara Rao, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Government of Karnataka; Dr K G Jagadeesha, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture and a host of other dignitaries.
In his address, N H Shivashankara Reddy, said, “ I am happy to announce that over the last three days the Organic and Millets International Trade Fair 2019 had footfalls of around 2 lakhs. The Organic and Millets International Trade Fair 2019 had a total of 512 registrations for B2B meetings which included 174 domestic buyers, 142 private sellers, 18 international buyers, 15 Farmer Federation and 33 FPOs. Over the last three days the total business generated amounted to Rs. 240.25 crores (59,511 metric tonnes). 67 MOUs were signed which amounted to Rs. 153.94 crores (24, 081 metric tonnes). The total business generated from the B2B meetings amounted to Rs 224 crores (40136 metric tonnes). Stall sales amounted to Rs. 66.33 lakhs (6875 metric tonnes) while business dealing at stalls amounted to Rs. 15.59 crores (12, 500 metric tonnes). Business generated by international buyers amounted to Rs. 32 crores (3329 metric tonnes). There was a high demand for all varieties of millets, Byadgi chillies, spices and tumeric. Millets alone accounted for Rs. 49 crores.”
“The Regional Organic Federations promoted by the Department of Agriculture secured business contracts and direct stall sales of around Rs. 29 lakhs. FPOs promoted by Department of Horticulture, Government of Karnataka secured business contracts of around Rs. 2 lakhs. Close to twenty thousand farmers from different districts across the state benefited from more than twenty sessions of the “Farmers’ Workshop” which was held in parallel to the international conferences. The sessions addressed various aspects like use of millets in midday meals, experiences of producer companies, marketeers, empowerment of women, machinery requirement, etc. This year we had international participation from seven countries and ten states from the country.” he added.
“Organic and Millets International Trade Fair 2019 is a perfect example of the commintement of the Government of Karnataka towards the welfare of the farmers of the state. We are keen to support the farmers in every possible way to enhance their economic upliftment. Through this trade fair farmers can benefit from new opportunities through establishment of direct access between them and buyers both national and international. Initiatives such as this are steps in the right direction to make farmers self reliant and financially strong. It is important for farmers to focus on crops that are hardy and require less water to grow as the state of Karnataka has suffered from drought over the last decade or so. Farmers should utilize the innovative farming techniques which utilise less water that the Government of Karnataka is propagating. I congratulate my colleagues in the Department of Agriculture for putting up an event on such a grand scale keeping the interests of farmers as the primary focus.” N.H. Shivashankara Reddy said.
Over the three days of Organic and Millets International Trade Fair 2019, several competitions and cultural performances highlighting the traditional heritage of the state and the country were showcased. The grand finale of the Smart Food Culinary Challenge was also held. The Organic and Millets International Trade Fair 2019 also had a drawing competition for children.