By IANS
New Delhi : After alluring tourists with its lush green landscapes and soothing Ayurvedic treatments, Kerala this year has decided to focus on its treasure trove of spices at its pavilion at the India International Trade Fair (IITF), which began here Wednesday.
The pavilion’s central area unfolded a model of a large ship carrying its precious spices like pepper and cardamom, cash crops such as coconut, cashew and coffee, marine products and Ayurvedic oils.
The artificially made water body and the sound of sea waves in the backdrop added to the mood.
The central area, which had bagged several gold medals in past editions of the fair, also highlighted the enchanting beauty of Kerala’s architecture, dairy farms and spice gardens through large photo panels.
The façade of the pavilion portrayed Kerala’s upcoming dairy farm industry and large models of coconut. C.B. Jinan, a sculptor, created the façade and the central area.
Around 43 groups including Kudumbashree — the women-oriented poverty alleviation programme of the state — Coir Board, Agro Industries Corp and Horticultural Corp have filled their stalls with a wide range of products.
“This year we have given emphasis to agro industries and food processing, which have been contributing heavily to our economy,” said Kerala Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Retnakaran, who inaugurated the pavilion Wednesday.
“The state possesses products that cater to a variety of interests. In fact, Kerala has something for everyone,” the minister added.
Retnakaran however admitted that the state has failed to come up with value-added products. “We are now trying to make up for it,” he said.
Pickles, preservatives, processed food, handloom and coir products figured prominently in the state pavilion.