The IRDP Trade Fair, which was started by the district panchayat administration with the intention of eliminating middlemen from the market of rural products, proved to be a roaring success this year too. The fair has grossed a total turnover of Rs 48.46 lakh this year. The fair comprised items produced by people below the poverty line, using the aid provided through government funding and bank loans.
Fourteen district panchayat blocks from Ernakulam, eight from Idukki and other selected blocks from Thrissur and Palakkad participated in the fair which was held at the Ernakulathappan grounds here.While the Ernakulam block earmarked a total turnover of Rs 29.66 lakhs, the turnover of Idukki crossed Rs 9.92 lakh. Palakkad grossed a turnover of Rs 5.13 lakh while Alappuzha took in Rs 2.74 lakh and Thrissur notched figures of Rs 98,925. The Vazhakulam block marked the highest turnover in Ernakulam district, at Rs 4.30 lakh.
Muvattupuzha took second place while Koovapadi had the third highest figures.