Farmers showcase assorted grains at Kochi rice fest to boost business

Hundreds of farmers showcased an assorted variety of rice grains at a five-day rice festival in Kochi, Kerala, with the objective of promoting organic farming and cultivation through traditional methods in order to boost their respective businesses.

Customers visited the fest on Sunday that was organised with an aim to help bridge the gap between farmers and consumers, also to add some income to their coffers.

A range of grains, including organic, which is hardly cultivated now, traditional equipments and methods, were on show at the event held inside Kochi's Kaloor International Stadium. Exhibits included 13 traditional varieties of rice, besides rice products, jaggery and vegetables.

Grains such as Chenkazhama, Navara, Kuruva, Chembavu and Ghandhakashala were also on display.

Organic farmer Cheruvayalil Raman, who produces 41 traditional varieties of rice at home, said that all rice grains have varied taste, smell, shape as well as colour.

"To ensure good health, our forefathers planted traditional seeds for rice and foodgrains, which have been used for generations. This expo is basically meant to facilitate the exchange foodgrains among the public. I think, for good health, foodgrains devoid of chemicals and poison need to be promoted. And, more importantly, the major food item of the Malayalee community is rice. So, we have to give due attention to rice farming in our state," Raman said.

He also said that for the past decade no cross-breeding of seeds has been done. Besides crop cultivation, Raman has kept himself busy with pisciculture, horticulture and apiculture.

To showcase the spirit of paddy farming, hulling and winnowing were conducted at the fest. One of the highlights of the expo was the incredibly-long spinach cultivated through organic means.

Farmers also said that they will be directly selling their crops to customers at relatively less rates.

Seasoned farmers, however, seemed skeptical about the contribution from the government side in helping sustainable farmers and environmentalists.

The fest was mainly organized keeping in mind the youngsters who will be able to realise the importance of food and good health.