KOCHI: The monopoly of vegetable traders, who brought veggies from outside the state, is a thing of the past during this Onam. As several farmers’ groups, NGOs and political parties have started special organic vegetable fairs attracting big crowds, the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka vegetables are not much in demand. Be it in the city or rural areas, people are keen on buying pesticide-free veggies.
“Several farmers’ groups and self-help groups have started special Onam markets at grama panchayt level and the demand for organically-grown vegetables is on the rise. As campaigns against pesticide-sprayed veggies and fruits gain momentum, people switch to organic food. Onam special organic markets in areas like Mulant-huruthy, Udayamperoor, Chottanikkara and Amballoor are making good business,” said P. Rajendran, an organic farmer.
Civic bodies such as the greater Cochin development authority (GCDA), cooperative banks, voluntary organisations like Kudumbashree and Kerala Karshaka Sangham have cultivated organic vegetables in a big way to cater to the Onam buyers.
The CPM has also opened organic outlets in various parts of the district selling vegetables cultivated by its cadres. Campaigns by film stars like Sreenivasan and Mammootty have helped to popularise organic farming in the state.
