Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Feb 14: Agriculture festival 'Raita Samavesha-2016', organized by district Krishikara Sangha, was inaugurated on Sunday, February 14 at Sharada Kalyana Mantapa.
Sri Vidyavallabhateerth Swamiji of Kaniyoor Math inaugurated the convention and said, “The quality of food is vital to having a sound body and mind. A person can contribute to society when he has a sound mind and body.
"Unfortunately, youths today ignore agriculture in our own backyard. They do not how rice is cultivated and provided to many in society. Present day youths need to be sensitized about farmers' effort behind cultivating any crop," he opined.
"Many people are not aware about the wastage of food. Much food is wasted on a daily basis. Before we have food, we need to thank farmers who work very hard in order to provide us food. Farmers truly work hard for the welfare of society," he added.
"The state government should take up initiatives to develop the lives of farmers. Nowadays agriculture is steadily decreasing and youths believe that there is no profit in agriculture. Many youths from the region migrate to other places in search of jobs but are not willing to work in the fields," he said.
"The state government should take measures so that farmers do not commit suicide anymore," the Swamiji added.
Speaking on the occasion, Narasimha Nayak from Teertahalli said, "Every farmer of the nation is a soldier because he is serving the nation. The government of Karnataka should take up all responsibility to protect them."
Various agricultural tools such as harvesting and cleaning machines, seeds, saplings and ornaments made by self-help groups were displayed on the occasion.
Ramakrishna Sharma, Bantakallu, president, district Krishika Sangh, Raveendra Poojary Gujjarbettu, Srinivas Bhat Kudi and others were present.