The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development is organising the first-ever, unique ‘Organic Mela’, which will be held from November 13 to 23 at Dilli Haat INA, in the Capital.
The exhibition will be showcasing organic items from across India, made by women-led groups. Union Minister of Women and Child Development Maneka Sanjay Gandhi on Monday told reporters: “The annual organic fair, which is the first-ever government-sponsored such event is being held in Delhi. There will be 300 groups ,which are essentially led by women from all over India. The mela will include a large number of food items, including 1,000 kinds of rice, 200 types of rajma, organic coffee, tea and herbs, also organic ice-cream, which does not contain milk, and is produced and manufactured by women in Gurgaon. ‘Forest food’ items will also be put on display. These items are not only organic, but the actual food which tribals consume in forests.” The organic products for exhibition will include cereals, pulses, lentils, millets, spices, oils, honey, tea, haircare, bath care, beauty care, aromatherapy products, organic cotton fabric, linen, edible seaweeds, organic seeds and bio products, among others.
The theme of the fair is based on everything that is ‘organic’, be it food or other eco-friendly products exhibited by various women groups and women entrepreneurs from everywhere, with a special emphasis on those from rural areas.
The main aim of the fair is to support and encourage organic farming, thus supporting local community’s economy, creating jobs and keeping farmers thriving, in addition to spreading awareness about the benefits of organic products.
The minister said, “Also, companies which buy products from women and export them will be participating. Not only will they be selling seeds for kitchen garden, also food prepared from all these organic herbs and grains will be available. Through this fair, we are trying to introduce people to the most amazing foods and items available in India and also to create a market for small producers who are women-led. Not only food, but organic clothing will also be sold, which includes cotton and woolen fabrics.”
Another special feature of the exhibition will be an organic cotton stall coming to Delhi from Magan Sangralaya, Maharashtra. They will be giving people a chance to buy organic fair traded cotton kurtas, saris and printed apparels adorned with ethnic designs and colours.
All throughout the festival Navdanya Café, will have a special organic menu and sell other food items from the counter.