May 3rd & 4th, 2025 – Kotagiri
Aadhimalai Pazhangudiyinar Producer Company Ltd., in collaboration with Keystone Foundation, proudly participated in the annual Vegetable Show held in Kotagiri on May 3rd and 4th. The event served as a vibrant platform to celebrate indigenous knowledge, traditional food systems, and the biodiversity of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve.
Our stall was a living representation of the forest-dependent communities’ deep-rooted relationship with land, seeds, and sustainable practices. We exhibited a wide range of products made by indigenous communities — including wild forest honey, beeswax soaps, spices, value-added millets, and coffee — all of which reflect the ethos of respectful harvesting, traditional processing, and community well-being.
A special focus was placed on indigenous seed diversity. Traditional varieties of millets, beans, and vegetables were displayed, accompanied by conversations on their significance in climate resilience, nutrition, and cultural practices. Visitors, especially tourists, farmers and youth, engaged with the community staff to learn about traditional harvesting methods and forest-based food systems.
In a unique corner dedicated to honey bees, Aadhimalai and Keystone Foundation jointly showcased the intricate relationship between bees and forest ecosystems. Using interactive visuals and storytelling, we highlighted the sustainable honey-harvesting techniques used by communities like the Kurumbas and Irulas, drawing attention to the ecological importance of pollinators and forest conservation.
Adding flavour to the celebration were our indigenous food offerings —
- A delicious Little Millet Payasam prepared with locally sourced ingredients,
- Organic Coffee varieties grown in tribal-owned agroforestry plots,
- An assortment of Millet Cookies, hand-crafted by Kurumba women, that offered a taste of indigenous culinary traditions passed down through generations.
Our participation in the Vegetable Show also aligned closely with our engagement in the Slow Food Movement global network that advocate for good, clean, and fair food. Through this event, we reaffirmed our commitment to building sustainable food systems that are rooted in biodiversity, indigenous culture, and community livelihoods.
As always, Aadhimalai stands proud to represent the voices of the forest and hills — not just as producers, but as knowledge-keepers, environmental stewards, and food innovators.
