Kochi: Aimed at forging direct connections between millet entrepreneurs, consumers and distributors, Ernakulam Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) will organise a buyer-seller meet, during the upcoming Millet-Fish Festival to be held at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) on December 28-30. Farmers, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), self-help groups (SHGs), and agri-startups from Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will exhibit their products, offering an opportunity for consumers, traders and distributors to foster business deals.
In addition to promoting the nutritional and health benefits of millet, the meet focuses on providing an opportunity to purchase products directly from producers and facilitating the market value chain for these products within Kerala.
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Beyond just millets, the buyer-seller meet will serve as a comprehensive platform for various stakeholders, including self-help groups (SHGs) and entities involved in the production of fish value-addition. It will enable them to establish vital connections with consumers and markets. Furthermore, in collaboration with the ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, the meet aims to create market opportunities for spice farmers, farmer-producer organisations (FPOs), and startups.
Facilitating market value chain for millets
During the millet-fish festival, the KVK Ernakulam will also facilitate the market value chain for millets within Kerala and popularise fusion flavours of the millet-fish combo as a balanced diet.
From fostering connections between farmers and markets to promoting a healthy culinary combination to encouraging startup initiatives, a series of objectives are targeted during the event. It will feature a variety of activities, including a buyer-seller meet, millet and fish food festival, live fish sale, sale of millets and millet-based food products, millet cookery show, millet recipe contest, technology exhibition, product launch, nutrition and health talks and seminars. The fest will also have a Lakshadweep farmers’ stall showcasing indigenous farm produce and food products from the islands.