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(Kayapanda Shashi Somaiah)
Madikeri, Aug. 10: Kodagu district is an agricultural district and rice cultivation has been important here since ancient times. Rice was the basis of people's livelihood and it is special that the festivals here have also been held in support of this agriculture... But now times have changed. There are more losses than profits from rice farming. In addition, due to the attitude that this agricultural work is very difficult, rice farming in the district is decreasing over the years. It is also a fact that more difficulties are being faced in the current situation. Wild animal attacks, 4 to the seventh page. Rice farming is disappearing due to fluctuations in the weather, geographical changes, labor problems and other reasons. It is also a fact that only a symbolic form is seen for festivals. An example of this is to grow a handful of paddy in one of the important festivals, Puttari (Huttari), in the flower garden of the house, in a flower pot or in a small mound.
In Kodagu district, there was a balance of groundwater through paddy cultivation. Many farmers have fields. But due to the vortex of problems, the fallowing and conversion of fields to other purposes has increased. In such a situation, there are demands for financial assistance from the government to encourage paddy cultivation, but they are not getting any recognition.
Some efforts amidst difficulties
Paddy cultivation is the traditional background of Kodagu. With this, festivals and holidays are also intertwined and there is a concept among many that the previous situation of the district should remain as it is. In this regard, some efforts are being made in the present days. There is a curiosity among students to create interest in this among the youth. Some organizations and interested farmers are showing enthusiasm.
6th step from Connecting Kodavas
It is also noteworthy that the Connecting Kodavas organization has been trying to unite the youth group for the last several years with the concept of reviving rice farming and to cultivate it universally.
In this regard, the organization is gearing up for its 6th year of effort this time. For the last four years, the initial exercise was held in the field of the Pudiokkada family in Kiggalu village. Rice was cultivated in partnership with youth organizations, including young men and women from the district and outside districts, IT-BT employees. Last year, a 38-acre field belonging to two families in Bollarimadu village, which had been lying fallow for about 15 years, was revitalized at a cost of lakhs. Now, as the 6th step, rice is being planted in a 10-acre field in Muttarmudi village. This field, which belongs to the Kembudthada family there, has been lying fallow since 2017. This field has been acquired on lease for the next five years, and this 10-acre area has been redeveloped and paddy is being grown this time. The necessary preparations have already been made, and the sowing work has also been done and the seedling is being prepared.
‘Nati Pani’ on August 16
This time, the planting work will be done by Connecting Kodavas under the name of ‘Nati Pani-2025’ on August 16. Many organizations are joining hands in this collective work. The field is getting ready for the planting work.
Organizations: Roots of Kodagu, Ponnampet Kodagu Scientists Forum, Kodava Samaj Youth Wing Mysore, Kodava Students Association Mysore, Kodava Samaj Youth Council Bangalore, Kodava Veer’s Club, Pragati School of Virajpet, and Kembudthada families are joining hands for the planting work. It is special that more than 20 women from the Banana Bondi Blooms Association are also participating in this time's planting work with enthusiasm.
Next year in T. Shettigeri Vagare
As an attempt for the 7th year, a plan has already been made to plant about 30 acres of land in T. Shettigeri's Vagare village next year. A new attempt will be made next year in the land of the Kattera family there. In addition, agricultural work will continue in the current land of Muttarmudi, said Shantaya Niran Nachappa of Connecting Kodavas.
Note:This article is translated by xklsv.com, from shakthidaily.info; the Shakthi Daily is not liable for any errors in translation. If there are any errors in spellings, please mail [email protected]
