Mangaluru: Videos uploaded on a popular YouTube channel aim to inspire people to grow their own organic kitchen gardens and consume fresh food free from chemical pesticides, says Shiva Prasad Malebettu, a farmer and content creator who has been promoting natural farming with missionary zeal.
Through his YouTube channel Sampoorna Sahaja Krishi, Shiva Prasad has been consistently spreading awareness about organic farming practices, sustainable agriculture and innovative gardening methods. Over the past two years, he has uploaded nearly 600 videos, releasing new content almost on a daily basis, focusing on practical, ground-level experiences rather than theory.
Many of his videos feature progressive farmers who have successfully developed disease-resistant crops through grafting techniques or innovative use of Jeevamrutham, an organic liquid fertiliser prepared by fermenting desi cow dung, cow urine, jaggery and soil. These videos, rooted in real-life farming experiences, have found wide acceptance among farmers, home gardeners and agriculture enthusiasts.
Motivating thousands to grow organically
Shiva Prasad says that as many as 10,000 people have taken up organic vegetable cultivation after being motivated by the videos and links shared through his channel. Many of them have started growing vegetables in their backyards, terraces and small plots of land, reducing their dependence on market produce.
He points out with pride that several farmers featured on his channel gained wider recognition for the first time. “Many farmers who appeared on my YouTube channel were later invited to participate in Akashvani’s Kisan Vani programme,” he said, adding that this gave them confidence and encouragement to continue natural farming practices.
One of the most-watched videos on the channel features farmer Shankarnarayan Bhat, who has been single-handedly managing eight acres of land for the past 10 years with the help of machines. The video recorded the highest-ever viewership on the channel, garnering 1.75 lakh views within five months.
Stories that resonate widely
Another video that drew significant attention was about Ashney, a ninth standard student who developed a passion for organic gardening near her house. The video received 1.25 lakh views, inspiring many parents and students to explore gardening as a meaningful activity.
“These stories show that organic farming is not limited to age, profession or land size. Anyone with interest and commitment can do it,” Shiva Prasad said, recalling the positive feedback he received from viewers across the state.
He believes that showcasing success stories and practical challenges honestly is the key reason behind the growing popularity of the channel.
A living model of multi-layer farming
Shiva Prasad, a farmer himself, has transformed his own farm into a demonstration plot to showcase the benefits of multi-layer gardening. His farm demonstrates how 25 to 30 varieties of vegetables can be grown efficiently in less than two cents of land.
After preparing nutrient-rich soil beds, creepers are planted along the borders, while vegetables such as brinjal (nearly 14 varieties), chillies and leafy greens are grown in the middle. The result is a dense, thriving green cover that maximises space and productivity.
Fresh harive soppu (amaranth leaves) and other vegetables grown on the farm are often shown in his videos to explain the concept of layered cultivation and its advantages.
Appreciation from officials and visitors
Agriculture officials who visited the farm as part of a study tour expressed surprise at the results achieved in such limited space. Sajna from the Department of Agriculture, Udupi, said she was witnessing for the first time vegetables and greens being grown so successfully in minimal space.
Visitors from organic consumer groups have also praised the initiative. Chartered Accountant Helga Sequeira, a member of Savayava Krishika Grahaka Balaga, said the videos, which reflect ground reality, have inspired many to persist with pesticide-free vegetable cultivation.
Supporting fellow content creators
Apart from creating his own content, Shiva Prasad actively supports other agriculture-focused YouTubers. He recently uploaded videos featuring 10 YouTubers from Dakshina Kannada district, helping them gain visibility and reach a wider audience.
Recognised by many as an Ambassador of Organic Kitchen Gardens, Shiva Prasad says his only aim is to help people reconnect with nature, grow their own food and move towards healthier living.
His work stands as an example of how digital platforms can be effectively used to promote sustainable practices and bring positive change at the grassroots level.