Biodiversity Expo 2012 chants organic mantra

The need of the hour is to focus on promoting organic farming and to develop upon the resources present right here in India, especially in Karnataka says minister for health and family welfare Aravind Limbavali.

The minister, who inaugurated the Indian Biodiversity Expo-2012 in the city on Saturday, was vehement in his insistence on looking in our own backyard to find the solutions to the problems of tomorrow.

The expo, being the first of its kind to be held in India, features stalls depicting the diverse flora and fauna alongside other resources present in India, specifically in the Western Ghats. “Organic farming and organic agriculture should be promoted in the country. We all know that fertilisers are just not good for animals or humans, so we should come away from that,” he said.

Limbavali also spoke about the endosulfan effect and how it is a cause of concern in the state. “We see the effect in South Karnataka, especially in Mangalore and Udupi districts and you see people having mental disorders,” he added.

Limbavali also briefly addressed the ongoing garbage crisis faced by the city. “Bangalore is in terrible condition right now and we have been irresponsible to let this happen,” he said. He also spoke about the importance of ayurvedic medicines. “Ayurvedic medicines are sometimes more effective than western medicines. We need to promote them more vigorously,” he said.

Chairman of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board Vaman Acharya spoke about the need to preserve the biodiversity. “Especially for the states of Karnataka and Kerala, this should be of utmost importance. The western ghats have many uses and are important and it is our duty to pass it on to the next generation,” he said.