Kochi, Dec. 15 : A five-day-long national food festival that was held here from December 10 to December 15 has been successful in spreading awareness about traditional food and agro biodiversity.
‘Annam’, the five-day festival featured around 200 stalls with a variety of food items. Kerala hosted this event for a third time since 2008.
The festival put on display popular local cuisines and traditional methods of cooking. Food and agro experts came together to present a smorgasbord of food
Dishes prepared with uncooked vegetables, tribal food and a variety of jackfruit items were also presented at the festival.
The Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA) organised the festival with the support from Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Food and Civil Supplies, Government of Kerala, and various other government and non-governmental organisations.
“‘Annam’ is an effort to save Indian generation from the grip of fast food culture and celebrate the diversity of food in the ‘Annam’ food and agro biodiversity festival is basically a festival to introduce to the people the diverse food culture of India, local food products, healthy food products, safe food products and also the nutritious and diverse food products that are available in our country,” said General Secretary of CISSA, C. Suresh Kumar
Kumar added that they also educated people on the ill effects of junk food as many of the diseases are caused due to the food we eat.
Workshops on organic farming, food processing and ethnic food carnival were also held during the festival.
‘Annam’ food fest also showcased the rich diversity of Indian food, agro-biodiversity, farming and cooking practices, linkage between food and health and traditional health care systems and food culture and wisdom of India.
The festival was first held at Thiruvananthapuram in December 2008 and again at Kozhikode in February 2010. (ANI)