Cultivating organic culture among urban population (Inde)

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Around 30 varieties of farm fresh organic rice, free from pesticides and chemical preservatives, are on display and for sale at the 'Organic Rice Mela', that began at the YMCA Hall here on Friday.

Organized by 'Save Our Rice' campaign and Thanal, the three-day organic rice mela is an effort to save native rice produce and the farmers who take up paddy cultivation by ensuring fair price and preventing them from falling prey to pesticide lobby. Nutritious red rice, medicinal rice and other rice-based products from traditional rice varieties from Kuttanad, Palakkad, Wayanad and Bangalore are available for sale at the fair.


The bulk of medicinal rice varieties include njavara, chennellu, kunjinellu, erumakkari, karuthachembavu and kavunginpoothala are grown in Kerala.

Due to its short duration of harvest in 60-70 days, njavara is called shasthikam in Sanskrit and consumption of this rice gruel with milk ensures longevity. It is also recommended for diabetic and the haemorrhoids (piles) patients. Njavara mixed with a medicinal herb kurunthotti helps rejuvenate the muscles and nerves, said Dr S Leenakumari in her status paper on rice in Kerala.

"Similarly, chennellu and kavunginpoothala are also used in treatment of diabetes and vomiting. Kunjinellu is given to patients recovering from jaundice and erumakkari to treat cough in humans and some diseases in cattle. Varinellu is used by the tribal folk for treatment of small pox," she added.

"About 25 tonnes of organic rice is brought in for the expo and it is expected to be well received, particularly realizing the fact that it is free from pesticide and chemicals. These indigenous rice varieties have high nutritious value and they are priced according to their quality," said convener of Save Rice Campaign, B Sreedhar.

Interestingly, handicrafts made of paddy, Padmarekha, from Bangalore, are also available for sale. "Such paddy festoons in houses are symbols of prosperity," said Anil, a farmer at the mela.

Those who want organic rice and vegetables can also have them from Organic Bazaar at OD-3, Jawahar Nagar, Kowdiar in the city. The store will be open from 11am to 4.30pm from Monday to Saturday and from 1.30pm to 4.30pm on second Saturdays. For door delivery of organic rice, contact 9497772302 or 0471-2727150.

Source: http://goo.gl/kVgCM