Media Release

Udupi, Jun 9: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, an Institution of Eminence, deemed to be University, a premier research-led educational institution in India, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Udupi district, and the ICSSR-VVB funded Upcycled Food Project, Manipal School of Commerce and Economics (MSCE), hosted a one-day workshop on “Secondary Agriculture and Upcycled Foods” on May 29 at the Medical Education Hall, Library Building, MAHE. The workshop engaged over 45 farmers, 15 progressive farmers, and 20 officials from the Department of Agriculture, Veterinary, and allied departments of Udupi district. With specific aims to create awareness and discussion about the prospects of secondary agriculture and upcycled foods, the workshop emphasized their significance for sustainable agriculture and value-added rural entrepreneurship.

The inaugural session was attended by notable dignitaries, including Poornima, joint director, Department of Agriculture, Udupi, Dr Reddappa, deputy director, Veterinary, and Chandrashekar Naik, deputy director, Agriculture. The welcome address was delivered by Dr Praveen Kumar (principal Investigator, ICSSR - VVB Project). The keynote was presented by  Poornima, while the presidential address was given by Dr Sandeep Shenoy (In-Charge Director, MSCE, MAHE). The training sessions commenced with an interesting talk on secondary agriculture by Pooja, assistant director of Agriculture and subject matter specialist, followed by Sriram Hegde, subject matter specialist - National Mission on Natural Farming, who explained sustainable farming and initiatives of the central government on sustainable farming. Dr Bhagyajyothi C K delivered a special address on “Upcycled Foods”, stressing the need to reduce food loss and use creative ways to convert food by-products into high-value food consumption.

The workshop's interactive session allowed participants, including farmers, field officers, and subject experts, to experience a unique opportunity to participate in open discussions. Facilitated by faculty members, including Dr. Rohith Bhagawath, Dr. Sathish Kumar, and others, this session allowed participants to share practical insights, challenges, and grassroots innovations in secondary agriculture and food upcycling. The workshops provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders from academia, government departments, and farming communities to discuss collaboration in line with MAHE's engagement with communities, sustainability, and impacts derived from knowledge-based projects.