Need to promote organic products: Maneka

Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi on Monday called for more promotion of organic products as she emphasised the use of sustainable alternatives.

"Children particularly are vulnerable to the harmful effects of pesticide exposure. Organic foods have been proven to contain far more vitamins, minerals and nutrients than similar foods produced with chemical fertilizers, pesticides and preservatives," she said the 3rd Edition of Women of India Organic Festival organised at the Delhi Haat here by her Ministry.

Gandhi also noted the importance of organic farming, saying it helps to boost the financial well-being of farmers.

"Economically too, organic farming is preferable since it ultimately reduces cost of cultivation by 20-40 per cent and increases the income of farmers by improving quality of production as well as the quality of soil," she said.

The event is intended to highlight the health and environmental advantages of organic goods, provide a platform for women engaged in it and boost the development of sustainable and easily accessible sales outlets for women producers from the remotest corners of India.

--IANS

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