Udupi: Kudi Srinivas Bhat - Shining Example of a Passionate Farmer

Suvarna Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (RD)

Udupi, Mar 3: One can find success in farming provided one has discipline, sense of time, worldly knowledge, and constant drive for innovation. Kudi Srinivas Bhat is a progressive peasant and a good example of this.

The farm produce that has grown lush on his 7.5 acres plot in Kudi village near Hiriyadka, is testimony to this. He is the progressive farmer who found success in farming by overcoming all the challenges related to his chosen sphere.

"Farming cannot be undertaken illogically. One has to proceed with much thought. It’s rewarding for one who embraces it as a dignified profession to be engaged in farming in his or her own farmland," says Bhat.

"The overheads of farming in a small holding are higher than usual. One has to be engaged in farming on at least an acre of plot, to grow any plantation crop. One has to pursue other farming activities that will sustain the plantation crop despite the hardships and challenges. One has to introduce mechanization to reap profits and thereby become successful in farming," he adds.

"The farmers have to bear the strenuous labour involved in farming and willingly work in their farmland. One has to love the peasant fraternity. One would not be a farmer, if one had only grievances. A true farmer is the one who finds solutions by taking the advices of fellow farmers," says Bhat.

Challenges galore

Bhat says that the difficulties in farming have been responsible for people shunning it.
"A shortage of farmhands, untimely rains, and diseases that plague the crop, are pushing the farmers to the brink of survival. The farmers have to be experimenters to find solutions to grievances. One has to be constantly innovative," he further says.

"The lack of interest of youth in farming is primarily responsible for barren farmlands. The children must be inspired to take interest in farming during their early childhood," says Bhat.

Expectations from government

"The government should enact a law banning farmers from allowing their farmlands to lie unused, in order to create favourable conditions for farming. The government has been awarding assistance to farmers, but a few agencies are exploiting the farmers in the name of farmers. Financial assistance should be directly delivered to the respective farmer. The farming developments should not be taken lightly and strong determination and willingness to face the odds of farming can bring about positive changes in farming sector," added Bhat.

"In other states, farmers are also involved in enhancing the price of their produce. For example, the plantains and pineapple that are sold cheap can be processed and packed in cans or tins which can get a higher price and more profit," he suggested.

Bhat has grown areca, palm, plantain, black pepper, cocoa, and other commercial crops. He has diversified into poultry, bee-keeping, and dairy farming. He follows organic farming, rain water harvesting, and other innovative technology on his farm.

Bhat is not merely a farmer. He is also an able organizer and goes on visits to farms across the district and gives free advice. He shares his knowledge by organizing workshops.

He is a progressive farmer who has bagged the ‘Krishi Pandit’ award from the state government and the most coveted ‘Innovative Farmer’ award from the union government besides other awards from social welfare and voluntary organizations.