Mangaluru City North MLA Dr. Y. Bharath Shetty emphasized the need to strengthen market access for agricultural produce, stating that agribusiness success hinges on efficient marketing. Speaking at the Dakshina Kannada district-level VK Super Star Farmer-2024-25 award ceremony, organized by Vijay Karnataka at the Neermarga Seva Sahakari Sangha auditorium, he highlighted the role of modern technology in expanding market opportunities for farmers.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals turned to farming after leaving their jobs. Young people should show similar enthusiasm. I appreciate Vijay Karnataka for recognizing farmers and their contributions,” he said.
Diversification for Sustainable Farming
Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan M.P., who presented the awards, urged farmers to cultivate a mix of commercial and food crops to optimize small landholdings. He suggested that successful farming models should be promoted at the taluk level to benefit more farmers.
Former mayor Bhaskar K., who inaugurated the event, praised the initiative, stressing that recognizing and supporting farmers fosters self-reliance in agriculture.
Honoring Resilient Farmers
Neermarga Seva Sahakari Sangha President Celine D’Mello acknowledged the hardships farmers endure due to natural calamities and financial losses but emphasized that their persistence contributes to national prosperity.
Judges included Agriculture Joint Director Honnappa Gowda, Horticulture Deputy Director Manjunath, and progressive farmer Purushottama Kotian. Experts like horticulture specialist Manjunath and farmer Nagaraj Amburi Beluvai shared insights.
Awardees
The honored farmers were C.H. Ashraf (Parappa, Sullia), Jitendra Shetty (Koryaruguttu, Soorinje), Krishnan Nair (Sullia), Victor Rodrigues (Horangal, Bantwal), and Vijay Kumar Sorake (Savanoor).
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