Sustainable living: 5th Visakha Organic Mela attracts thousands

The event, running until December 15, showcases sustainable living, organic products and traditional practices.

With over 200 stalls featuring farmers, farmer producer organisations and organic stores, the mela has transformed the AU grounds into a bustling hub of ecological innovation and cultural heritage.

Approximately 50 farmers and tribal entrepreneurs are presenting their unique offerings, highlighting the region's agricultural diversity.

A major highlight of this year's event is the special session on terrace gardening, on December 15. Gardening groups from Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Anakapalli, and Vizianagaram will converge to share their expertise. A model terrace garden will be on display, inspiring urban dwellers to create green spaces in their homes.

The session will also recognize outstanding terrace gardeners from each district with special awards.

The mela goes beyond it being just a market, offering visitors a nostalgic journey into rural life through its traditional village-themed decor. A captivating attraction is a live demonstration of Ganugu, a traditional oil expeller used in north coastal Andhra Pradesh. This hands-on exhibit provides visitors with a glimpse into heritage oil extraction methods.

Visitors can explore a diverse range of products from hand-spun fabrics and sarees to homemade pickles and snacks. Plant enthusiasts will find nurseries offering everything from flowering plants to medicinal herbs. The event also features an array of healthy food options, including ragi, millet, honey and natural spices.

The event promotes healthy food options, including ragi, millet, honey, spices and natural ice cream. A standout attraction is the Amrutham ice fruit mango, available at a premium price of `800 per kg, stored at controlled temperatures to maintain freshness.

Local businesses like Palem Naturals, which supplies pure milk to over 850 families, and Sankalpa Art Village, known for its use of natural dyes in clothing production, are also participating. Another stall owner, B Mohan Rao, offers wooden combs and utensil washers that promote health-conscious living.