Organic growers of region plan outlets in DK and Udupi

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, May 06, 2017: The Federation of Organic Growers in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Chikkamagaluru, promoted by the government, is all set to open its account by opening its first three outlets in the coast.

According to its vice-president and president in-charge Anilraj D.M. the outlets have been planned in Mangaluru, Surathkal and Udupi. They are likely to be opened within two months.

The federation (like milk union) which came into being last year, has 44 organic growers’ associations (like milk societies) under its ambit with about 4,500 members. It is one among the 14 regional federations in the State. Farmers whose land has been chosen for organic certification should not use chemicals for three years. Karnataka State Organic Certification Agency is inspecting and certifying the farm land.

Such farmers got the final certificate after three years of inspection. If their certificate was to be renewed they should seek inspection every year as its validity would be for only one year. Now its members are in the third year of inspection and certification.

President  Anilraj said that the produce of farmer members, who have obtained In Continuation II certificates after two years of inspection from the agency, would be sold in those outlets. There will be exchange of produce among other organic federations in the State. Hence all organically grown produces should be made available to consumers.  He said that the federation has been moving its millets and rice through an organic marketing agency in Chikkamagaluru since six months on trial basis.   Anilraj said that now space for the three organic outlets in the coast was being finalised.   Meanwhile, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts have 11 and six associations of growers, respectively. In Dakshina Kannada its members now mainly cultivated vegetables.