SIMFED to Host North East's 1st Expo on Organic Farming in Feb; Check Major Highlights

The first Expo on Organic North East is set to take place from February 3rd to 5th, 2023; an immersive experience into the world of organic fruits and vegetables hosted by the Department of Agriculture in Assam and organized by the Sikkim State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Ltd (SIMFED), with Krishi Jagran as the expo's media partner.

India has seen significant growth in organic product exports and is Asia's second-largest exporter of organic products. The most popular organic products in India are oilseeds, sugarcane, cereals and millets, cotton, pulses, medicinal plants, tea, fruits, and spices. In recent years, India's total exports have totaled 4,60,320.40 MT, valued at more than Rs 5,000 crore (US$ 770 million).

A high-quality exhibition from leading companies in naturals, organics, and exports, as well as agribusinesses, B2B meetings, B2C events, international and domestic buyer delegations, an International Conference, Farmers' Workshop, and government/department pavilions, will be included.

Key Highlights of NE's 1st Expo:

• Exhibition: Over 160 organic and natural brand booths will showcase a variety of organic food and non-food products. Exporters, retailers, farmer groups, organic input manufacturers, government agencies, and others are among the exhibitors.

• Pavilions of States: The Central and State Government pavilions will offer farmer groups various government schemes and marketing assistance.

• Pavilions of Certification Agencies: Third-party or PGS certification, fair trade, and sustainability standards will be assisted by certification agency pavilions.

• Pavilion of Industries: Businesses can be promoted by companies involved in food processing, packaging, testing laboratories, equipment, new technologies, and startups.

• International Conference on: Associations across the world will also be invited to participate.

• Buyer-Seller Meets: Buyer-seller meetings, an essential component of the Fair, bring together international and domestic buyers (including exporters, wholesalers, and retailers) with suppliers and farmer groups/FPOs to conduct actual business. B2B meetings are scheduled to meet the needs of both buyers and sellers. A dedicated Buyer Seller lounge is created at the venue.

• International Conference: There will be a two-day knowledge-sharing conference. Top exporters from India and around the world will be invited. More than 200 delegates from various sectors attended, including farmers, traders/exporters, researchers, non-governmental organisations, and state and federal governments.

• Farmers' Workshop: Farmers from across the state and country are attending special workshop sessions. These classes will be held in Assamese, English, and Hindi. These sessions will be led by experts in organic production and value chains. Participants will gain an understanding of market trends, demand, the organic certification process, export potential, and other aspects of organic products and natural agribusiness.