Media Release

Mangaluru, Dec 3: The Food Chain Campaign, launched nine months ago to raise awareness about food consumption and farming practices, will organize a student-farmer rally at Kudmal Ranga Rao Town Hall on December 7.

The campaign was founded by Yathish Thukaram, who has over a decade of experience in the food industry, and Dr Saurish Hegde. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between students and farmers while promoting sustainable and innovative farming techniques.

Dr Hegde explained that the campaign regularly conducts workshops and seminars in colleges to raise awareness about agriculture and improve soil health. "Farmers have been selflessly growing food for us. It’s now time for the public and students to contribute by making conscious food choices, supporting local farmers, and understanding the crops grown in our region," he said.

Yathish Thukaram highlighted the campaign's collaboration with institutions like Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), CPCRI, and the Cashew Research Centre. "This is a community-driven initiative to support local farmers and improve the quality of food we consume. Through this campaign, we address farmers' challenges and explore ways to enhance food production," he stated.

Dr Hegde further emphasized the need to improve soil quality and explore alternative food crops to enhance nutritional diversity. "The decline in paddy cultivation is a serious concern for future food security," he warned.

The program also seeks to educate students about modern agricultural technologies. Progressive farmers will participate in the rally, emphasizing the critical role students play in supporting local farmers.

Ahead of the rally, experts including Krishi Vigyan Kendra's head scientist Dr T J Ramesh, Cashew Research head Dr Dinakar Adiga, and CPCRI Kasargod's director Dr Balachandra Hebbar will meet with farmers to discuss their issues and potential solutions.