Training program on Organic Farming for Self-Sufficiency organized

Training program on Organic Farming for Self-Sufficiency organized

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 20, 2023: Mangalore University, Department of Biosciences and Mangala Yojane - Village Adoption Programme in association with Udayavani and Organic Farmer Consumer Group (OFCG), Mangaluru organized a training program on Organic Farming for Self-Sufficiency, at Mangala Auditorium, Mangalagangotri.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prof. P. Subrahmanya Yadapadithaya, Vice Chancellor of Mangalore University said in his presidential address that people should show interest to adopt organic farming as it will help boost the country’s efforts to be more self-reliant in agriculture. There is a need to educate the general public about health hazards due to the consumption of adulterated, contaminated and junk foods. In the name of modern lifestyles and advancements, we are consuming slow poison with our hard-earned money. Creating awareness of such things and motivating people, particularly the present generation to grow and use organic food, is the need of the hour. Educational institutions should not only impart information-based knowledge but also promote students to apply their intelligence for their own welfare and nation. In our education system, more emphasis should be given to practically oriented learning of health, food, environment and social concerns and it is a main motto of the National Educational Policy:2020 (NEP 2020). The present training program is one such event and thanks to Udayavani and Organic Farmer Consumer Group, Mangaluru for having come forward to materialize it on the campus.

Sri K. Rathnakara Kulai, Secretary, Organic Farmer Consumer Group, Mangaluru said in his keynote speech that many of our today’s food items are causing various adverse effects on our health and it is high time for people to depend upon organic foods that are toxic-free. With simple modes, people can grow vegetables organically in their residential localities. Nowadays, people are interested in organic farming. But they need proper guidance. Organic Farmer Consumer Group is ready to help and guide them in this direction. He urged that the general public particularly students should learn how to cultivate vegetables organically.

Sri Vinod Kumar, Managing Director and C.E.O. of Manipal Media Network was the chief guest and said in his speech that Udayavani in addition to providing fresh news, information and articles is also serving society in terms of various welfare programs including awareness and training programs, mainly for the benefit of marginalized people. Training on organic farming for self-sufficiency is one such event and the public should make use of this for their prosperity and good health. Extensive usage of various agrochemicals contaminated air, water and food which in turn causes adverse effects on our health. In this context, farming organically not only reduces environmental pollution but also enhances the quality of life. It is a good sign that today people have realized the importance of organic food.

Sri Aravinda Navada, Editor, Udayavani gave an introductory speech where he emphasized the importance of our traditional foods and their health benefits. We need to conserve our traditional food culture and promote organic farming.

Sri G. R. Prasad, President of the OFCG, Mangaluru highlighted the importance of organic farming and how modern agricultural practices including extensive usage of pesticides, and chemical fertilizers are deteriorating the soil fertility and quality of environment and health. If the trend continues like this, the earth becomes barren in the near future. Therefore, there is 2 a need to practice and promote organic farming for our sake and for the sake of future generations.

Resource persons Smt. Sneha Bhatt trained on how to grow flowering plants and vegetables at home, and Sri Harikrishna Kamath, Putturu shared his immense knowledge of organic farming.

Prof. Prashantha Naik, program coordinator mentioned in the vote of thanks that farmers who have extensive practical knowledge and vast experiences are real agricultural scientists; they solve many problems with their innovative ideas including the successful implantation of organic farming. We need to make use of their experiential knowledge.

Sri Venu Vinod K.S., Udayavani Chief Reporter of Mangalore region gave an overview of the series of events being conducted on organic farming.

Prof. Chandra M., Chairperson of the Department of Biosciences welcomed the guests and gathering. Dr. Sharath Chandra K., Co-coordinator of the program and Dr. Tharavathy N.C., Coordinator of Environmental Science introduced the resource persons. Dr. Laveena K.B. and Mr. Sourav anchored the program.

The event was inaugurated in a traditional way in addition to lighting the lamp. As a part of the event, an exhibition of a variety of vegetable seeds, fertilizer and horticultural items was organized. Prior to the program, fruit-yielding saplings were planted by the Vice Chancellor along with chief guests and resource persons.

Prof. M. Krishnamoorthy, former Chairman of the Department of Biosciences, Prof. Raju Krishna Chalannavar, Chairman, of Dept of Applied Botany, Dr. Narasimhaiah N., Special Officer, SC/ST Cell, Sri Prasad Rai Kallimar and others were present. The coordinators, faculty members and students of Biotechnology, Biosciences, Microbiology, Applied Botany, Food Science & Nutrition, Environmental Science and Biochemistry, and the general public have participated in the training programme.