An Agricultural life is one eminently calculated for human happiness and human virtue- C.L. ALLEN
A year ago, things were completely different. We were confined to our homes moping about a virus. The second wave of the virus is upon us and we are struck with uncertainty again. Whatever else we may give up to combat the virus – our freedom to move about, our commercial and personal activity, there is one thing we cannot give up at all – food.
For food on the table, agriculture must sustain. And while many took to cooking and baking at home – social media was full of it – home based agriculture too took off. And when the restrictions eased off, The Krishi Sammelana brought all these agriculturists together at Udupi.
A two-day conference was held to promote the importance of agriculture by the Department of Arts and Humanities, MGM College, Udupi along with prominent organizations such as the NSS, The Red Cross, IQAC, on the March 20 and 21.
From 9 in the morning to 6 till the evening, they had bundles of fruits, vegetables, and yummy delights on the college premises! The first day was inaugurated by Dr. Naveen Bhat Y, Zilla Panchayat, Udupi with Dr. Dhananjay and National Level Awardee Srinivas Bhat being the main chief guests along with Dr. Devdas S Nayak, Principal, MGM College, Udupi who were present on the first day of the conference.
Guests of honour at the event included Dr. Dhananjay, Scientist and Head, Agricultural department, Brahmavar, Nataraj Hegde, Agriculturist, Kujane Farms, Udupi, Srinivas Bhat, Malathi Devi, Principal, MGM Pre-university College, Udupi, and Arun Kumar B, IQAC.
Home grown veggies and information!
Farmers from around Udupi came together to exhibit and sell their crop. There are fresh fruits, vegetables, and other crops to buy without a middleman, but there was also dissemination of important information. The items that were showcased comprised a variety of fruits, vegetables, crops, seeds, mud pots, and woven baskets at discounted prices. Moreover, plants were also available for sale. Several specialists in the field addressed the gathering on varied topics related to agriculture, health, and techniques –both traditional and modern scientific.
“We grow all kinds of vegetables from cucumber, brinjal, beans, lady’s finger. It was not that easy to bring out our yield to the market during the lockdown, but such events make us happier.”, says Suresh Nayak, a farmer from Hiriadka.
“We had invited Farmers from all around the district to exhibit and sell their crops. From pineapples, mangoes to various other vegetables, we have had it all. There are no salesmen or middlemen here – its directly from the farmers to the consumers” said Manjunath Kamath. It is said to be one of the first colleges in the district to take such an initiative for agriculture.
More than 50 farmers too part in the conference. “Looking at the present scenario and given the second wave of the COVID-19, we cannot compromise the need of food for all, and the farmers must continue their business.” Social distancing and other safety precautions were strictly followed in the conference, keeping in mind the protocols of the COVID-19.
One of the most significant factors was farming in the forest and other items such as gujje biryani, gujje podi, and gujje pickle. We also tried to have a pizza made from vegetables called mattu gulla (prominent brinjal that is popular in the region of Katpady) “I tasted the podis and I couldn’t eat just one! “
The Sammelana promoted both Agriculturists and value-added agricultural products by local farmers and artisans. Visitors who came to the conference showed a lot of interest in buying the 300 varieties of pots of mud and other artifacts, along with mats and baskets. “We have our own production department and branches to produce these pots. Through our society, we must keep up with the lineage of this traditional pottery making, which has several benefits Healthwise. Lockdown has sent us spiralling downwards where basic needs are at stake. It has altered our perspective of life completely. Such conferences makes us happy and in turn helps the consumers too”, says Krishna Kullal, member of the Potters Cottage Industrial Co-Op. Society Ltd, Perdoor.
An initiative of MGM College, Udupi, the conference tried to inculcate the love of agriculture in students and the youth, explain to them the need for and lucrative nature of the profession / hobby. They were incentivised with a gift off a banana plant and vegetable seeds wort Rs: 10/- “This was the brainchild of Devdas Nayak, the principal, who said that agriculture shouldn’t be theoretical, and one should interact with the public to promote agricultural values and techniques through such programs. This will educate people more about the agriculture industry and promote other farming values”, said Manjunath.
He emphasized that basic farming can be done at our homes, such as terrace farming or farming that can be done on verandas’, balconies, and other places around homes. He also gave the example of a farmer from Shankar Pura, who is a driver by profession. His enthusiasm for farming has seen him grow mangoes, strawberry, and jackfruit plants around his house and on his terrace! A mini fruit farm sounds utterly delicious and exciting! Imagine waking up to freshly homegrown strawberries and having them for your breakfast! Berry-ily delicious!
“Lockdown has taught us a lot of things. But Farming can help us keep our sanity and feed us. For the youth it is an opportunity to connect to their roots, earn money and live a fulfilling life,” says Manjunath Kamath.
Photo courtesy Pooja AVP
