By IANS
New Delhi : For the health conscious it will be a boon. An organic food trade fair is to be held in the capital next month to showcase organically grown food grains, lentils, tea and vegetables aimed to encourage people to switch over to such foods.
Over 200 Indian and foreign organic agribusinesses will present their products at the International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA)’s India Organic Trade Fair 2007 from Nov 29 to Dec 2 here.
The four-day mega trade fair, organised by ICCOA in association with National Centre of Organic Farming, ministry of agriculture and Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), will showcase the achievements of Indian farmers in organic agriculture.
“Lifestyle related complaints have been affecting people more than ever before and consumers are switching to healthy food options. This is why organic food products have gained immense popularity and acceptance in the recent past,” said Manoj Kumar Menon, executive director, ICCOA.
Further thrust to the industry is being expected from the organised retail sector as farmer groups are getting viable options to market their organic food products across the country.
“As of now, organic food products are being retailed through exclusive chain stores. However, the next step in the evolution would be the retailing by bigger retail stores catering to the masses,” Menon added.
The earlier two editions of the fair attracted more than 45,000 visitors and over 330 exhibitors participated, including six from overseas.
“Going by the phenomenal response received by the India Organic Trade Fair for its previous editions, we are confident of further enhancing the competence of individuals and organizations engaged in organic food business in India” Menon added.
“IOTF 2007 will feature a comprehensive trade fair; seminars by experts will be held in association with FIBL, Research Institute for Organic Agriculture, Switzerland; buyer and sellers meets held and an organic food festival as well to attract connoisseurs,” explained Menon.
“We are keen on contributing towards an ecologically, economically and socially sustainable agricultural system while ensuring good health for our fellow citizens,” said Menon.