Bantwal: In a remarkable act of rural unity and women-led empowerment, members of the Ashirwad Sanjeevini Self-Help Group (SHG) under the Golthamajalu Gram Panchayat took the lead in transplanting paddy in an uncultivated field at Balkatta, setting a shining example of grassroots initiative.
The field belonged to Harish Balkatta, whose family, including Koggu Poojary, has traditionally practiced paddy farming. However, due to house construction commitments, Harish was unable to cultivate the land this season. Learning of his situation, the Ashirwad SHG members stepped forward and offered to take up the responsibility themselves — and they did.
On Tuesday, the women successfully transplanted paddy across 40 cents of land, earning widespread praise from the community. “If you can’t do it this year, we’ll do it for you,” they had promised Harish — a promise they fulfilled with pride and purpose.
The initiative was supported under several rural development programmes, including NRLM (Sanjeevini), Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana, and was backed by the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, Bantwal Taluk Panchayat, Agriculture Department, and the Golthamajalu GP.
The ceremonial launch was led by EO Sachin Kumar, who placed rice into a kalasha to inaugurate the effort. He praised the initiative, calling for a renewed focus on agriculture: “We cannot rely solely on industry for livelihoods. Agriculture remains our backbone.”
After the launch, officials, Krishi Sakhis, Pashu Sakhis, and volunteers worked in the fields alongside SHG members. For many, including EO Sachin Kumar, it was a first-time and fulfilling experience.
Veteran farmers including Koggu Poojary, Karunakar, Narayan, Harish, and Lakshman Balkatta offered hands-on guidance during the activity.
The event was coordinated with strong participation from officials and volunteers like Usha, Nandan Shenoy, Vijay Shankar Alva, Sudha, Kusuma, Gayathri, Bhavani, Pushpavati, and others.
A visibly moved Harish Balkatta said, “This support is something I will cherish forever. Their kindness has touched our family deeply.”