When all over the world, Bt (biotechnology) vegetables such as Bt tomato, Bt brinjal and others are the topic of hot debate, in this town of Karwar people love to relish the ' Naati' or local variety of vegetables. Come rainy season, the foot path of green street which is the usual vegetable market of the town is full of locally grown vegetables such as bendekayi (lady's finger), heerekayi (ridge gourd), southe kayi (cucumber), neer panas (bread fruit), badne kayi (brinjal), etc. These vegetables are much sought after by a section of customers though they are comparatively costlier than the 'ghaati' or hybrid vegetables which are sold in large heaps. Also, the naati ones have different appearence and are easily distinguishable from others. For example, local bendekayi is yellowish and longer than the greenish hybrid bende. These vegetables are grown and sold by local farmers, mainly women, in their home gardens by traditional methods. They are grown without much fertiliser and pesticide inputs, therefore good for health of the consumers and the environment. Besides, these women are also contributing to the conservation of these valuable local variety of vegetable plants, by growing them every year. This is another method of traditional agro-biodiversity conservation. This kind of local vegetable market is not restricted only to Karwar. If you travel along the NH 17 towards Mangalore, you will find such markets in several places. These are the Desi Highway Bazars, in contrary to the hightech Super Bazars of the metropolies! Enjoy the view of one such highway bazar near Honnavar. This Photograph was clicked by my colleague Shivananda Bhat.
Jai ho naati vegetables!
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