Once in a while, food retail chain SunnyBee extends an invitation to all farmers and farmer producer companies, based around the country, that it sources from. The invitation is for them to visit Chennai for a few days, experience the city, and most importantly, meet and sell directly to costumers at the fag end of the retail chain: the people who eat what they grow. Usually, farmers based in Tamil Nadu and States nearby accept this invitation. This time, the santhai is going a step further.
“Around 150 farmers are participating this weekend, and the santhai will be held at a much larger ground in Aavin Junction,” says Sanjay Dasari, co-founder, SunnyBee. Cultivators are being flown-in from far-off States. “We are also in conversation with farmers in Jammu and Kashmir, but it hasn’t been confirmed yet,” adds Sanjay.
In addition to the farm-fresh produce, there will be 25 food stalls and five food trucks lined up at the venue. “We will be giving farmers free coupons, since they will be there all day. This way, they can get a food festival-like experience as well.”
The other change in this edition, is the produce. While the farmers market has never failed to have at least a corner dedicated to imported, exotic produce — be it dragonfruit or Syrian blueberries — this time, organisers are touting a spread of 100% Indian produce. “For example, our apples are 100% Himachali, Shimla apples,” says Sanjay, “Apple season began roughly this week, though it really kicks in early September and lasts for about three months.”
Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you will be denied your usual dose of the exotics. The only difference is that this time, the exotic fruit will be brought in from Kodaikanal. “We have identified a farmer producer company that cultivates fruits indigenous to Malaysia, in Kodaikanal. They will be bringing in fruits like rambutan and mangosteen. The latter is my favourite,” adds Sanjay.
SunnyBee Santhai is organised in association with The Hindu MetroPlus and Lanson Toyota. It will be held at Aavin Junction, Arcot Road, on Sunday, September 2, from 9 am to 9 pm. It is open to all.
