Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, May 27: Sode Vadiraja Math and Krishi Prayoga Parivara will jointly organize the ‘Bogase Bhatta Beeja Pradana’ (Traditional Paddy Seed Distribution) programme on May 28 at the premises of Sri Sode Math in Udupi.
The programme will commence at 10 am under the divine presence of Sri Vishwavallabha Theertha Swamiji. More than 200 farmers from different districts of Karnataka, who are actively engaged in conserving traditional paddy varieties, are expected to participate.
As part of the 2028 Paryaya at Udupi Sri Krishna Math, Sri Vishwavallabha Theertha Swamiji will perform the daily worship of Lord Krishna. During the Paryaya period, the seer has envisioned offering ‘Maha Naivedya’ prepared using rice from indigenous paddy varieties cultivated organically by farmers from across Karnataka.
Sri Vishwavallabha Theertha Swamiji, addressing the press conference held at Sode Math on May 27, said, “The initiative, named ‘Shuddha Naivedya Samarpanam’, aims to conserve more than 350 traditional paddy varieties across different regions of the state through farmer participation and organic cultivation practices.”
The campaign is being coordinated by Krishi Prayoga Parivara, Thirthahalli. Several organizations and institutions have extended support to the conservation drive, including Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Kedarotthana Trust, Savayava Krishi Parivara, Sri Abhaya Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Grama Bharathi Trust, Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Sri Venkataramana Temple, Kadamba Foundation, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and various rural development organizations.
Srivatsa from Purushottam Rao Krishi Samshodhana Prathishtana, Thirthahalli said traditional rice cultivation has immense importance in India’s agricultural heritage. Thousands of native paddy varieties once existed across the country, each with unique medicinal properties, climate adaptability, aroma, fodder value, yield characteristics and suitability for traditional food preparations.
However, due to the rapid expansion of modern agricultural practices, many of these indigenous varieties have disappeared over time. Though some farmers continue to preserve traditional seeds, many interested cultivators lack access to information and seed availability.
To address this concern, Krishi Prayoga Parivara launched a unique conservation initiative aimed at reviving and preserving traditional rice diversity. The project envisions offering a different indigenous rice variety every day as Maha Naivedya to Lord Krishna during the Sode Math Paryaya beginning in 2028.
The first ‘Bogase Bhatta Beeja Pradana’ program was held in June 2022 at Sri Abhaya Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Hadigallu, Thirthahalli taluk, in the presence of Sri Raghuvarendra Theertha Swamiji, where traditional paddy seeds were distributed to interested farmers.
Over the past four years, more than 250 farmers from different districts have taken part in conserving traditional paddy varieties through seed cultivation and preservation efforts.
Since the 2028 Paryaya requires a different rice variety to be offered daily throughout the year, organizers estimate that at least 365 indigenous paddy varieties must be cultivated and preserved. Farmers interested in seed conservation have been urged to participate in the movement by cultivating traditional paddy using organic farming methods without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Dinesh, administrator Krishi Prayoga Parivara, Thirthahalli and Aruna, director Krishi Prayoga Parivara, were present during the press conference.