Kundapur: Students turn farmers, delight in slush field sports
Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (DV)
Kundapur, Jul 16: In an effort to attract youth to agriculture, a unique programme was organized at Sankayya Shetty’s agricultural field at Erribailumane, Kandavara village, Kundapur wherein hundreds of students from various schools and colleges were introduced to different techniques of farming.
The students who flocked to the slushy field actively took part in the demo presentation of paddy planting, ploughing the land with the help of bulls and tilling the land with machines, and quenched their enthusiasm. Though the students were never involved in agricultural activities at their homes, here they all eagerly participated in it. Some students helped veteran agriculturists and peeled the paddy plant while others tried their hand at tilling the land with ploughs.
To create enthusiasm in agriculture, various competitions were also organized. A running race in the slushy field and tug-of-war with the participants wobbling about provided good entertainment for bystanders.
Free plants were distributed to students who participated in the sports events. Muniyal Ganesh of Green India Movement distributed sandalwood and ‘Bilwa’ plants and asked everyone to play an active role in nurturing these plants and protecting the greenery.
This programme was jointly organized by Rotary Club Kundapur, Ans Club, Educational Department, Horticultural Department, and activists of Green India Revolution with the title of ‘Kai Kesardare Bai Mosaru’.
High school, pre-university, and under graduate students participated as well as those from Eco Club, Interact Club, NSS, and Scouts and Guides.
The absence of rain ensured the programme was a success. Veteran agriculturist Annappa Hegde inaugurated the programme. Advocate and Rotary Club president Sheriyara Gopalakrishna Shetty, Rotary district 318, zone 1 assistant governor T K M Bhat, Kundapur Area Educational Officer Gopal Shetty, assistant director of agricultural department Ramdas Rai, Ans Club’s Chethana G Shetty, Geetha B Shetty, gram panchayat president Rukhmaia Poojary, Muniyal Ganesh, Prashanth Tolar, proprietor of Prabhakiran Tiles, agricultural specialist Kenchooru Someshkar Shetty, Shivarama Shetty, Karunakara Poojary, and Rotary Club secretary H S Hatwar were present on this occasion.
“During the time of Independence, 90 percent of people relied on agriculture in India but today, less than 60 percent people pursue agriculture. Agriculture, which played a leading role in the economics of the country is declining. People think agriculture is disgusting, hence, it has lead to its decline. There will be satisfaction in agriculture and pleasure in eating the rice grown from the paddy. There will be no peace in industries and commerce. People should cultivate interest in agriculture and not neglect it. At least have the aim of growing a single plant,” said B Annappa Hegde.