Millets fair: Bengaluru Agriculture minister unveils website, logo

Bengaluru: The state Agriculture Department organised a curtain-raiser to promote The International Trade Fair on Organics & Millets – 2018, which will be held at Palace Grounds, from January 19 to 21.

Agriculture Minister Krishna Byregowda unveiled the new website and logo for the trade fair and spoke about the importance of producing millets. “Karnataka was the first state to implement the Organic Policy – 2004 and is the largest producer of millets in the country. Our venture is the first of its kind in the country to create awareness about organics and millets. The central government has encouraged us and we need the support of our neighboring states. The price of these organic products is more because of the smaller market,” he said.

“Millets are rich in minerals and it is important for one to diversify the diet. In an earlier technology, there were some constraints, but now that ICAR has overcome the issue of processing technology with efficiency of 80%, we will try and match the market standards,” said Dr B. Dayakar Rao, Principal Scientist, ICAR.

Executive Director of ICCOA Manoj Menon said, “Millets are highly resistant. We have tied up with many International countries for the trade. Workshop and exhibitions will be conducted in Hindi and Kannada during the trade fair for farmers on organics and millets.”