First eco-friendly shandy in Coimbatore a big hit

It was a carnival-like atmosphere here as nearly 3,000 people thronged the shandy, displaying their liking for pesticide-free produces. Organised by “Iyal vaagai”, the shandy was inaugurated by Corporation Commissioner K Vijayakarthikeyan at Corporation Higher Secondary School on Cross Cut Road. 

The shandy, on the lines of weekly shandies in villages, was unique as no packed or branded products were sold in the stalls. A range of items from cold pressed oil, country chicken (naatu kozhi), traditional cereals and millets, organically grown fruits and vegetables, greens and others were sold in the shandy. Prices too remained affordable as farmers came up with their produce by avoiding middlemen. 

The shandy has been declared a no-plastic zone. Consumers were encouraged to bring utensils and eco-friendly bags to take away their purchase. 

Most of the items were sold out within hours after the inauguration. “We found it convenient to buy all our organic home needs under one roof at a cheaper cost. It should be made a daily ‘sandhai’ to promote healthy living among public, encouraging people to consume pesticide-free foods. It is a good start,” said C Archana, a homemaker. 

Alageshwari of Iyal Vaagai and a fair organiser said the fair will be held on the first Sunday of every month. “The response has been overwhelming and public have demanded that similar sandhais be opened in other places too. We are planning to open more such markets in the coming days,” she said.