May 2026

Suttur, May 5, 2026: Natural farming and soil health are essential for the prosperity of farmers, said Dr. P.L. Patil, Vice-Chancellor, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.

He was delivering the valedictory address at the farmers’ camp organised under the joint auspices of Jagadguru Sri Veerasimhasana Mahasamsthana Math, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Religious Endowment and JSS Mahavidyapeetha at Suttur Srikshetra on May 3.

Dr. Patil said farmers are the backbone of the country and the lifeline of the land. “A country can prosper only when its farmers prosper. Let ours be self-respecting agriculture. However modern the world becomes, human beings cannot live on computer chips; they need the food grains grown through the sweat of farmers,” he said.

Comparing the role of farmers with that of soldiers, he said, “If a soldier guards the borders of the nation, a farmer satisfies the hunger of the nation.” He urged farmers not to lose heart and advised them to combine hard work with knowledge.

Dr. S.M. Shivaprakash, retired Extension Director, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, said every farmer can achieve success through honest effort. “When a farmer smiles, the whole world rejoices. To attain true happiness and peace, one must make life joyful and meaningful,” he said.

Dr. G.M. Devagiri, Research Director, University of Agricultural Sciences, Mandya, said that every drop of a farmer’s sweat has the value of a pearl, but the farmer’s life becomes golden only when that pearl gets the right price. He advised farmers to take up new experiments at least on a portion of their land and focus on value addition instead of selling crops in raw form.

“This is the time to cultivate not only with hard work, but also with skill,” he said.

Shri H. Nagendra Kumar, exporter of agricultural products, Rajamudi Organics Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, spoke on the opportunities in agricultural exports. He said farmers should grow food products that are in demand, identify foreign markets, ensure attractive and quality packaging as per international standards, fix prices properly and enter into suitable agreements.

He said the Karnataka government would support farmers through the corporation for the export and market expansion of agricultural products. He added that new opportunities are available in the processing and export of food grains, spices, dairy products, seafood and plant-based proteins. Success in the export business can be achieved through the selection of good products, proper documentation and trusted buyers, he said.

Sri Ganesh, Smt. Kaveramma Bailemane, Sri Anantharamaswamy, Sri Jagadish S. Hiremath and Sri Shivakumar shared their views on the occasion.

Dr. B.N. Gyanesh presented the camp report. Sri Prithvi rendered the prayer. Dr. U.M. Rakshit Raj welcomed the gathering, Dr. Deepak proposed a vote of thanks and Dr. Y.P. Prasad compered the programme.

 Dr. P.L. Patil, Vice-Chancellor, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, delivered the valedictory address on May 3 at the farmers’ camp organised under the joint auspices of Jagadguru Sri Veerasimhasthana Mahasamsthana Math, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Religious Endowment and JSS Mahavidyapeetha at Suttur Srikshetra; Dr. S.M. Shivaprakash and Dr. G.M. Devagiri are also seen, along with campers and coordinators in the group photograph.

Suttur, May 4, 2026: Mixed cropping is a stream of profit for farmers, said Dr. Nagarajappa Adivappar, Professor and Head, Areca Research Centre, Keladi Shivappanayaka Agricultural and Horticultural University, Shivamogga.

He was delivering a lecture at a farmers’ camp organised by Jagadguru Sri Veerasimhasana Mahasamsthana Math, Sri Shivaratreeshwara Religious Endowment and JSS Mahavidyapeetha at Suttur Srikshetra.

Speaking on sustainable agriculture, Dr. Adivappar said crop diversity and mixed cropping systems are two important pillars that help farmers increase income while protecting the environment. He advised farmers to give priority to mixed cropping, especially during monsoon and winter crop seasons. “There should be honesty in agriculture and faith in crops. When farmers engage in agriculture with full commitment, profit is possible,” he said.

Dr. H.V. Bindu, in her address, said organic farming improves the fertility of declining soil and helps maintain environmental balance. She noted that healthy and safe food means nutritious and fresh food, and added that there is growing demand for organic products.

She advised farmers to adopt a scientific approach from sowing to harvesting, make proper use of credit and insurance facilities, and carefully calculate production costs. She also said farmers can benefit from technical and marketing training through the Agricultural Marketing Committee. The Karnataka government has provided facilities in more than 162 markets for farmers to sell agricultural products directly to consumers, helping them secure better prices.

“Agriculture should not be viewed merely as farming, but as an industry. When agricultural production is managed according to market demand, farmers can earn higher profits,” she said.

As part of the camp, participants took part in mass prayers and yoga practice in the morning. During Suttur Darshan, they watched an animation documentary on the Guru lineage of the Srimath and learned about its rich history. They visited the Moola Matha, Sri Someshwara Temple, Sri Mahadeshwara Beesukallu and Sri Veerabhadreshwara Temple, and received blessings.

The participants also visited Krishi Vigyan Kendra, where they observed crop demonstrations, and later visited the goshala to learn about desi cattle breeds.

In the evening, prayers and Kapilarathi were performed with devotion on the banks of the Kapila River. Sri G.L. Tripurantaka spoke on the importance of rivers. The day concluded with a cultural programme presented by the campers.

Dr. Nagarajappa Adivappar and Dr. H.V. Bindu delivered lectures on May 2 at a farmers’ camp organised under the joint auspices of Jagadguru Sri Veerasimhasana Mahasamsthana Math, Sri Shivaratreeshwara Religious Endowment and JSS Mahavidyapeetha at Suttur Srikshetra. 

Kapilarathi was performed on the evening of May 2 during the farmers’ camp organised under the joint auspices of Jagadguru Sri Veerasimhasana Mahasamsthan Math, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Religious Endowment and JSS Mahavidyapeetha at Suttur Srikshetra, where participants lit lamps and offered their devotion to Goddess Kapila.