Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jul 31: A four-acre plot in Kilinjaru, Kuppepadavu, which had remained uncultivated for the last many years, now sports a green look as paddy plants have come up there. The man who contributed to this magical transformation happens to be Damodar Shetty from Kilinjaru Munglijaru. 

Damodar was working in a hotel in Gujarat for the last 35 years. As the hotel had to be shut down on account of Covid 19 twice, he became desperate and returned to his hometown. He solely transformed the four-acre plot that had remained barren, into a fertile field. He is an achiever who felt that working in the family land is better than working for someone else.

In his first effort, he planted three types of breeds, Kerala Kutty, Bhadra, and MO 30. He had interest in farming but no experience. He got active support from Manohar Shetty Nadikambalaguthu of Raitasangha Hasiru Sene and local paddy farmers.

The task of making the barren land cultivable was not easy. He worked wholeheartedly from dawn to dusk and used a tractor to make the land fit for cultivation. He did not use any chemical fertiliser or cattle manure for the field, but just bought greens from the hills and added them to the soil. The locals had doubted about his experiment becoming successful but now they are surprised.

Shetty says he has spent Rs 50,000 to revive the land. He said that after planting the seedlings, he worked for others on spare days to see that expenses are balanced with income. In the morning and evening, he attends to the work of irrigation and weeding.

Damodar Shetty stands out as an example for young people who can become successful if they get the right guidance and inspiration, says Manohar Shetty Nadikambalaguthu.