The Hindu Business Line : Green grocer

Organic food is proven to be rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes and anti-oxidants. The holistic farming method forbids the use of genetically modified varieties and chemical inputs, protecting both farmers and consumers from the hazardous effects of chemicals. The Karnataka Government announced a policy in March 2004 to promote organic agriculture. The Jainik Krishi Society (JKS) is a federation of organic farmers and farming groups set up to protect fair trade practice in organic farming. It acts as the nodal agency between the government and organic producers' groups, supervising quality control and aiding in marketing. It initiates the formation of local organic growers' associations and promotes farming techniques suited to local soil and climatic conditions.

An internal control system is set up through the local groups to enforce standards through regular inspection and certification. Group certification is done to build consumer confidence and facilitate traceability. Model outlets would be set up in urban areas on franchise basis to promote the products. The Lalbagh Nursery in Bangalore recently put up a small outlet, attracting people in search of plants and gardening material. The tiny store stocks a wide range of organically grown and processed foodstuff. A variety of jams such as apricot and plum, tea, mustard seeds, ragi, cereals such as bajra, jowar and millet, chillies and turmeric — in both whole and powder forms, a range of rice — red, black and white, spices, and peanuts; even the puffed rice here looks different, tasting crisp and fresh. Fresh vegetables and fruit, especially boxes of seedless grapes, fat corms of ginger and hill garlic, jaggery, pure pressed oils, ready-to-fry fritters and papads, and an eclectic porridge mix — this place is certainly a must-visit for the health conscious.

Consumers can register with JKS for added services. Contact jk_society@rediffmail.com

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