Udupi: The District Administration, Udupi district Zilla Panchayat, Udupi Department of Agriculture & Horticulture in collaboration with the Regional Organic Farmers’ Groups’ Federation, Mangaluru, for the first time in Udupi district inaugurated the “Savayava Santhe” organic market at the the Farmers’ Service Centre, Doddanagudde, Shivalli Horticulture Farm, Udupi on October 15.
The programme began with the state anthem, after which Devadas Hebbar, Director of Organic Farmers’ Divisional Federation, Mangaluru, welcomed the gathering. The Savayava Santhe was inaugurated by the District In-charge Minister Pramod Madhwaraj, by lighting the traditional lamp with the other dignitaries on the dias.
In his inaugural address, Pramod Madhwaraj wished to mark the day in golden letters as the first time in the district that an organic market had been opened to aid the public with a healthy and peaceful life. He said that consumption of organic food would be of great help to those who have been plagued by illnesses for a long time and to those ailing who have to make frequent trips to the hospital.
Compared to the conventionally produced vegetables, the organically produced vegetables are healthier and cheaper as the consumers can buy them directly from the registered organic farmers at lesser rates, he added.
According to Udupi Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis, the area was originally used by flower vendors but due to poor customer turnout, the district administration decided to establish a market where the public could purchase fresh organic vegetables directly from the farmers. On the very first day of the plan’s implementation, there was a huge turnout of consumers and within a span of two hours, the entire stock of vegetables was sold out.
Vice President of Zilla Panchayat Sheela K Shetty then listed out the various benefits of organic farming and compared them with the harmful effects of consuming vegetables and fruits produced using chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
CMC President Meenakshi Madhav Bannanje also spoke on the occasion.
Every Sunday, starting October 15, the market will be open at the Farmers’ Service Centre between 8.30 AM and 12.30 PM.
CMC Vice President Sandya Tilakraj, CMC councilors Chandrakanth Naik and Janardhan Bhandarkar, Zilla Panchayat member Wilson Rodrigues and others were among those present.
