A day-long convention of organic farmers and sellers began here on Friday amidst concerns over the poor response to the Agriculture Department's drive to promote organic farming among farmers.
Inaugurating the convention, Vice President of Mysuru Zilla Panchayat L Madappa said the farmers are used to conventional agricultural practices that involve the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, oblivious of the toll it is taking on soil, air and groundwater.
"Convincing them to shift to organic farming is not an easy task. But, the officials of the department should take it as a challenge and continue their efforts", he said.
Member of the Zilla Panchayat's Standing Committee on Agriculture C T Rajanna regretted that the food products appear to have lost their taste and aroma over the years, thanks to use of chemical inputs in the farms.
However, he said abandoning chemical fertilizers and pesticides had become imperative. "What will you leave for the next generation if you continue to spoil the soil with chemicals?", he sought to know.
