SIMFED to organize NE's first expo on organic farming in Guwahati in February

GUWAHATI: The first expo on organic farming, called 'Expo Organic North East', will be hosted by Assam's Department of Agriculture and organized by the Sikkim State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Ltd (SIMFED) at Guwahati from February 3 to February 5 next

The expo is aimed at highlighting the potential of organic farming in the Northeastern region and connecting growers with consumers to support the development of the entire value chain for the promotion of organic products globally.

India has seen significant growth in the export of organic products, and is also Asia's second-largest exporter of organic products. Oilseeds, sugarcane, cereals and millets, cotton, pulses, medicinal plants, tea, fruits, and spices are the most popular organic products in India. In recent years, India has seen total exports of 4,60,320.40 MT valued at more than Rs 5,000 crore or $ 770 million.

The expo will also host B2B meetings, B2C events, international and domestic buyer delegations, International Conference, farmers' workshops, and Government/department pavilions.

The event will witness over 160 organic and natural brand stalls displaying a wide range of organic food and non-food products. Pavilions of the Central and State Governments will provide farmer groups with various Government schemes and marketing assistance. Certification agency pavilions will assist farmer groups with third-party or PGS certification, fair trade, and sustainability standards. Pavilions of industries will provide the opportunity to promote businesses through companies in food processing, packaging, testing laboratories, equipment, new technologies, and startups.

Buyer-seller meetings, an essential component of the expo, will bring together international and domestic buyers (including exporters, wholesalers, and retailers) with suppliers and farmer groups/FPOs to conduct actual business. B2B meetings are scheduled to meet the needs of both buyers and sellers. A dedicated Buyer-Seller lounge will be created at the venue.

Top exporters from India and around the world will be invited. More than 100 delegates from various sectors will attend the expo, including farmers, traders/exporters, researchers, non-governmental organizations, and State and Central Governments' representatives.

Farmers from across the State and country will be attending special workshop sessions. These sessions will be held in Assamese, English, and Hindi. These organic production sessions will be led by experts.

This is consistent with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of doubling farmers' income through the promotion of organic farming in the country, the establishment of remunerative prices for agricultural produce, and the adoption of sustainable technologies. The proposed scheme aims to reduce cultivation costs, increase farmer income, and ensure resource conservation, as well as safe and healthy soils, environment, water and food.

SIMFED has taken an active role in promoting organic farming. It is actively pursuing and promoting organic farming in over 18 Indian States. As the world's first 100 per cent organic State, Sikkim has been at the forefront of organic agriculture in India. With the active participation and efforts of Assam's Department of Agriculture, this event aims to provide a global platform for farmers and producers of the North-East to showcase the best of the region's produce under one roof. (ANI)

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