The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has introduced a new sales counter in Kerala. Inaugurated by Dr. A Gopalakrishnan, Director of CMFRI, the initiative operates within the Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC) of the institute.
Showcasing a diverse range of farm-fresh products sourced directly from local farmer groups within and outside Kerala, the sales counter offers an extensive assortment of healthy food items. Customers can explore traditional staples like pokkali rice and millets from Karnataka, along with an array of spices, honey, gourd powder, tapioca products, and value-added jackfruit products. Additionally, a variety of seafood options, including cleaned and dried fish, mussels, and tuna products, are available to cater to diverse culinary preferences.
A notable feature of the sales counter is its selection of nutraceutical products developed by CMFRI from seaweeds, aimed at addressing common lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, cholesterol, arthritis, and hypertension. Alongside, the counter highlights locally sourced specialties such as Lakshadweep coconut oil, tuna products, and vinegar, as well as value-added items like chocolate, cashew drinks, and cashew jam from the Kerala Agricultural University.
Moreover, customers can explore high-quality spices with enhanced curcumin content from the Spices Board, featuring varieties such as cardamom, black pepper, and turmeric powder. The counter also offers coconut chips and other coconut-based products from the Coconut Development Board, providing a comprehensive range of choices for consumers.
In addition to promoting local agriculture, the initiative aims to support small-scale farmers by offering organic inputs like vermicompost and biofertilizers, as well as vegetable seeds for kitchen gardening. With operating hours from 10 am to 7 pm on all working days, the sales counter endeavours to provide convenient access to fresh, nutritious food products while contributing to sustainability efforts and bolstering the livelihoods of local farmers across Kerala.
