Under a state government's initiative, a federation comprising 44 societies of organic farmers has been formed in three districts through the agriculture department. While there are 2,870 organic farmers registered in Chikkamagaluru district under the federation, there are 1,008 farmers in Dakshina Kannada and 630 in Udupi.
Agriculture department joint director H Kempegowda told Times of India that the main objective behind the certification programme is to popularize organic farming. "Organic certification is a three-year project started by the government with an objective to make farmers sell their produce with their brand names. In the first year, registered farmers' groups will be given training in methods of organic farming, and they will be provided information on government schemes. Societies may market produces under their brand name with certification logo printed on it after successful completion of three years," he said.
There are many private agencies that certify organic farming, but farmers have to shell out about Rs 25,000 to get registration. Hence, the government started the initiative wherein farmers will be given training and encouragement. The federation will be a platform for organic farmers to buy and sell their produce. It will facilitate transportation of organic produces from one region to another region based on requirement, Kempegowda said.
