In an effort to preserve traditional agricultural practices and promote organic farming in Hermunde village, Karkala, a group of like-minded youngsters under the banner of Tharuna Bharatha Charitable Trust has launched ‘Krishi Kshetra Pathashala’, a series of events aimed at encouraging sustainable agriculture.
Inaugural Programme at Mahadev Farms
The inaugural programme was held at Mahadev Farms on Sunday, where participants were introduced to turmeric cultivation through a practical demonstration. On the sidelines of this initiative, Hariprasad, secretary of the trust, said that a group of like-minded youngsters began working together in 2020 and later formed the trust in 2024 under the leadership of Satish Hegde.
“Over the years, we noticed a worrying trend of youngsters moving away from traditional farming practices in pursuit of a modern lifestyle. Through Krishi Kshetra Pathashala, we aim to build a self-reliant village that contributes to a prosperous India. We are collaborating with government agencies, organisations, and donors to implement these initiatives, with a focus on empowering the youth through agriculture,” he said.
Focus on Indigenous Cow Breeds and Organic Alternatives
The programme was inaugurated by Indumathi Ashok Salian, director of Tharuna Bharatha Credit Co-operative Society, Hermunde, and Praveen Saralaya, a farmer from Vittal. Saralaya highlighted the importance of indigenous cow breeds and stressed the need for environmental conservation through organic farming by using cow-based products as an alternative to chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
Niveditha Bhat, a hobby farmer from Jodumath Farms, Jarkala Mundli, shared her experience of urban life and rural agricultural living. She noted that farmers could earn better profits by directly supplying agricultural produce to consumers.
Role of Honeybees in Ecosystem
Hobby beekeeper Mukesh spoke about the importance of honey in the food chain and explained the harmful effects of chemical spraying on bees and the consequent impact on human life. Sachin Subbanna Nayak and his wife, founders of Mahadev Farms, were felicitated for adopting agriculture as an alternative lifestyle.
