Plea to promote value added and organic products

: In a bid to boost the agriculture sector, Kerala Water Resources Minister, P J Joseph, today called for prmoting value added and organic products.
Speaking at the India International Food and Agri-Expo after launching the new value added coconut products produced by the Neera Producer' groups in the state, Joseph said Value-added coconut products like Neera, coconut palm sugar and virgin coconut oil have high demand in the market.
"It is a good sign that new entrepreneurs are being attracted to this sector with increased scale of such products", he said.
Organic farming was a better alternative to toxic food products and awareness should be created by extending the organic farming practices all over the state.

Kerala has yet to exploit the inland fishery resources to improve the fisheries sector in the State, he added.
Presiding, Vice Chancellor Dr B Madhusoodana Kurup, said the value added products like neera and its honey would be beneficial to the coconut farmers in Kerala.
T K Jose, Chairman of Coconut Development Board, said toxic food products could fully be replaced by organic food items if efforts would be taken to coordinate various organic farmers' clubs in the state and to boost trade networks.
The expo is being jointly organised by Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Foundation for Organic Agriculture and Rural Development.