In pics: Millets, organics take centre stage at international trade fair in Bengaluru

The International Trade Fair on Organics and Millets, an initiative of the Karnataka government, was launched on Friday by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Bengaluru Palace.

The trade fair has been organised in order to promote millets and other traditional grains, and also to push sustainable and organic farming.

"It is important for us to raise awareness and promote millets in daily diets due to its nutritional value and ease of cultivation. We are a dry agriculture state and over the last 17 years only 3 have had no drought. We are very excited to be taking this step and we hope to make millets part of the daily diet again," the CM said.

The three-day event is expected to receive 2,00,000 visitors including farmers, retailers, corporates, state and central government representatives, and consumers. Over 10,000 farmers are participating in the event, according to the organisers.

More than 300 stalls selling millets and organic products have been set up showcasing a range of organic products and crops. 

A Millet Recipe book featuring great dishes, was also launched at the inauguration of the fair.

In addition, panel discussions, seminars and farming-related workshops will be held over the course of the event.  

Krishna Byre Gowda, Minister for agriculture, envisioned a future where traditional grains and millets will once more rightfully take their place in every Indian’s plate. He said, “In an era of consciousness, we are aware about the food we eat, the impact the food we eat has on the farmers and the environmental impact of food products. With this conference we hope to bring about a change in dietary habits and promote a more sustainable future.”