KOCHI: At a time when organic products have become the top pick of customers, it is very important to make sure that proper measures are adopted to ensure their quality, said Works Minister V K Ibrahim Kunju here on Thursday. He was speaking after inaugurating the Atma Sameti Organic Agriculture Summit (ASOAS) at Adlux Convention Centre in Angamaly on Thursday.
"While the State has achieved self-sufficiency in the food and farming sector over the past five years, we also made progressive growth in the sector. Organic farming and its importance is increasing. Hence, we should introduce the kind of mechanisms used in developed countries to check the quality of organic products here. This will help in ensuring that the products are genuine, and have been produced through organic farming techniques," said the Minister, adding that summits like the ASOAS would help identify technologies that are suitable for a state like Kerala.
Jose Thettayil MLA presided over the function. Meanwhile, the exhibition stalls set up in connection with the ASOAS meet is attracting huge crowds.
The stalls, showcasing organic agricultural products, have been set up by various agricultural departments in the State and the ATMA. Organic vegetables, organic pesticides, seeds of various vegetables, agricultural equipment, special/rare tubers and traditional paddy varieties of Kerala and exhibited at the stalls.
A major attraction is a huge tapioca weighing 125 kg, cultivated by Nicy Tomy of Anikkad in the Avoli grama panchayt. Stalls of the State Horticulture Mission, Vegetable and Fruits Promotion Council and Farm Information Bureau are also there. The fair will conclude on Friday.