[Gobi, December 25 2005]
For Immediate Release

Isha Foundation conducted a two day Farm Expo at Gobichettipalayam, Erode District, in an endeavour to support the farming fraternity. The Farm Expo 2005 was inaugurated on 24th December 2005 by Mr S D Sundar Singh, Vice Chancellor, (In-charge and Registrar), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore at Muthumahal, Gobichettipalayam.

The inauguration function was presided over by Mr S S Ramanidharan, MLA, Gobi. Key note address was delivered by S V Krishnamurthy, AGM, Canara Bank and Mr Kandavel Murugan, Chairman, Gobi Municipality.

The exposition is aimed at creating awareness among the farming community on organic farming, cultivation of herbs, modern irrigation techniques and contract farming. The expo will also serve as a platform for exchange of regional farming techniques. Bringing all parties related to agriculture – farmers, service providers and government bodies – under one roof is a significant step towards bridging the existing gap among them.

The Expo featured conference during the two days. Eminent speakers from research bodies, financial institutions and agricultural scientists gave insight on subjects like water and power conservation, financial assistance, subsidy available to farming sector, processing, impact of fertilizers and organic manure, sericulture and contract farming.

A slew of service providers like bankers, farm implement companies, publishers and manufactures of herbal and organic products, all numbering to 25 have put booths to demonstrate services and display products. The Farm Expo is an extension of the Action for Rural Rejuvenation programme of Isha Foundation. The first Farm Expo was held in 2004 at Gobichettipalayam which had over 40,000 visitors.

The Action for Rural Rejuvenation programme was launched during August 2003 to revive the sprit and uplift the living standard of rural India by addressing unattended aspects like physical and mental well being through Mobile Health Clinics and simple yogic practices. Isha Foundation operates 15 mobile clinics in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka covering over 1,000 villages and 3,45,665 people.