World Consumer Day Workshop in Ramanathapuram
15.03.2025
CREATE (Consumer Research, Education, Action, Training and Empowerment) organized a one-day workshop in observance of World Consumer Day at the District Collectorate, Ramanathapuram.
Prof. Dr. P. Duraisingam, Chairman of CREATE, delivered the presidential address, explaining the objectives of the event by recalling the historical background of World Consumer Day at both the international and national levels. He emphasized the importance of protecting consumer rights and highlighted CREATE’s two-decade-long efforts in promoting safe and nutritious food through organic farming and the revival of traditional paddy varieties. These efforts have included farmer-led seed festivals, consumer food festivals, and collaborative research with reputed institutions to validate the nutritional benefits of traditional crops.
Mr. Ilango, District Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Officer, shared the department’s initiatives in safeguarding consumer rights.
Mr. Rajendran, advocate and CREATE management committee member, spoke about legal provisions for consumer protection and the avenues available for redressal.
Dr. G. Vijayakumar, Food Safety Officer, discussed the rising pesticide residues in food and offered practical tips for minimizing their impact, including rinsing vegetables with water and salt solutions.
Mrs. Meenachi Sundareshwari, Project Officer, ICDS, highlighted common summer health issues and stressed the importance of hygiene, salads, seasonal fruits, and minimizing spicy foods. She encouraged families to grow food at home using backyard or rooftop gardens.
Dr. A. Nisath Najni, Head of Department (I/c), Home Science, Mohamed Sadak Hameed College, explained the nutritional decline in common foods due to chemical-based agriculture, and its impact on micro and macro nutrients.
Mr. Suresh Kanna, Project Director of CREATE, shared insights from nutritional testing of 15 traditional rice varieties at NIFTEM-T, including Poongar, Karunguruvai, Illuppai Poo Samba, Black Kauni, and Mappillai Samba. He noted that these varieties are rich in dietary fiber and micronutrients like potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc, which possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and support the prevention of diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
The workshop saw participation from over 200 people including students of Mohamed Sadak Hameed College, Self-Help Group members, consumer association members, farmer representatives, and media personnel.
Mr. Syed Ibrahim, President of the Keelakkarai Consumer Protection Group, welcomed the gathering, and Mrs. Latha, Women Consumer Group Coordinator, proposed the vote of thanks.