Daijiworld Media Network - Brahmavar
Brahmavar, Jun 10: MLA Yashpal Suvarna along with Dr R C Jagadish, chancellor of Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of agricultural and horticultural science (KSNUAHS) inaugurated a fruit fair in SMS Samudaya Bhavan on Saturday, June 10.
The fruit fair was organised in association with Rotary club, Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Science, Shivamogga, ICAR Agricultural Science Centre, Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Centre, Brahmavar, Diploma College of Agriculture, Brahmavar. Vijaya Gramina Abhivrudhi Prathishtana, Mangaluru and Bank of Baroda, Udupi.
MLA Yashpal said, “Our country is an agricultural dependent country. Our country has always given first priority to agriculture and encouraged farmers. Compared to other districts, varieties of crops are grown in all three seasons in Udupi. Events like this will help encourage farmers and agriculture. Mattu Gulla, a breed of brinjal and Shankarpura jasmine which is grown only in Udupi has received global recognition.
“Earlier, jackfruit was consumed only by the poor but now its value has grown, by using jackfruit to produce different products. An arrangement should be made where all varieties of crops should be sold in a single place so that agriculture will be saved and farmers are also encouraged. Even the rain gods have blessed the event by showering. I wish for good growth of crops,” he said.
Dr R C Jagadish said, “Jackfruit and mango are my favourite fruits. Despite the weather Jackfruit grows in all places. Jackfruit and mango are the two fruits which grow without proper manure and water. There are varieties of jackfruits and different products produced by it gives good income to the country. Deforestation is increasing day by day and by planting fruit saplings we need to reduce deforestation. We are training SSLC pass farmer’s students and we have started one Raitha Kendra Uthpadane. Almonds are also grown in this region and are exported. A building will be constructed before Krishi Kendra where farmers can sell their crops and also we will give necessary items to farmers there. I request everyone to come to the fair and buy products from farmers and encourage them.”
Fr M C Mathai, vicar general, St. Mary’s orthodox Syrian Church, Brahmavar, said, “As much as 70% of the people in India are farmers. Farmers are like Gods. Farmers should be encouraged, the crops grown by them should get remunerative prices, and this should be the aim of our country. I am happy to arrange this event in S M S Samudaya Bhavan, even last year the same event was arranged in this bhavan, this is for the second time. I wish to continue the same in future years.”
The fair is arranged to encourage farmers. In the fair, farmers will sell their product directly to the consumers without the interference of middlemen. Jackfruit saplings and a variety of jackfruit products such as jackfruit chips, jackfruit ice cream, jackfruit pickle, jackfruit, mango, mango pickle, biriyani, Chinese food, flower saplings, varieties of fruit saplings, ayurvedic medicinal products, fabrics, flower seeds, agricultural equipment, and other products are displayed in the fair and are sold at reasonable prices.
Dinesh Kumar Nayari, president of rotary club, Brahmavar, welcomed the gathering. Five achievers in the field of jackfruit cultivation were honoured on the occasion. A technical hand book was released on the occasion by all dignitaries.
Dr B Dhananjay, head of agricultural science centre, Dr K T Gurumurthy, director of extension, KSNUAHS, Eruvakki, Shivamogga. Dr Lakshman, associate research director of Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Centre, Dr K V Sudir Kamath, principal of Diploma College of Agriculture, Sathish Kumar Shetty, member of VRDF, Mangaluru, Sachin Hegde, executive officer of VRDF, Mangaluru, Praveen S K, zone soldier, zone -3, Alwin Andrade, secretary of Rotary club, Brahmavar and others were present.