Fruits of his labour

About 70 years ago, mango and banana were the only fruits that were available across the State, that too in short supply. Likewise, the common people then were not in the habit of consuming vegetables as these too were sparingly grown around a few cities and towns in limited quantities to meet the requirements of elites. Several other plantations, spice and flower crops too had not reached the farmers across the region. The horticulture crops, though termed as ‘protective foods’ because of their nutritional properties, were affordable only by the rich and their cultivation was limited to some areas.

At this juncture, Dr M H Marigowda — who had just returned to India from USA after receiving a doctorate degree — was appointed as the assistant superintendent of government gardens (1942). He was firmly determined to help solve the farmers’ problems and bring prosperity to them through the expansion of horticultural crops. The ‘horticulture wizard’ who went on to become the director of Horticulture Department (1957-1974) contributed extensively to the growth of horticulture in the State for three decades.

Marigowda worked hard to realise his prime objectives of horticultural growth and transforming horticulture into common farmer’s profession in the State. He was a great visionary and was able to think far ahead of his times. Thus, he devised various useful schemes and programmes for the State’s horticultural development. As the Director of Horticulture, he trained and guided his officers in the art and science of horticulture. His commitment and vision made Marigowda an icon during his tenure itself, a rare distinction a government officer can get!
To motivate farmers to take up horticulture crops for cultivation, Dr Marigowda established a chain of 357 farms and nurseries across the State. At these sites, he demonstrated the scientific cultivation of fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, spices and commercial flower crops. Simultaneously, he arranged for the large scale propagation of several horticultural crops and arranged to distribute the plants to the farmers for their commercial cultivation. He did this on a massive scale and this act paid him rich dividends as many farmers took to horticulture successfully.

During his tenure, several horticulture crops spread across the State and exclusive horticultural production zones came into existence. The best examples for this include the development of mango zone in Kolar; grapes in Vijayapura, Kalaburagi and Belagavi; cocoa in Dakshina Kannada; potatoes in Hassan and Kolar; banana in Mysuru, and vegetables in Bengaluru and Belagavi. Also, specialised horticultural markets were established and other produce from the State started flowing to other states of the country and outside as well.

The State set an example in the field of horticultural growth and got the title of ‘Horticulture State of India’. And Marigowda was called as the ‘Father of Horticultural Development in Karnataka’.

Horticulture powerhouse
In addition to this, Marigowda is remembered for several other achievements, many of which were considered to be the first in the country. He was very much interested in effecting an organised marketing for perishables (fruits and vegetables) as a way to avoid middlemen and sell the produce directly to the consumers. This led him to establish the Horticultural Producers’ Co-operative Marketing and Processing Society (HOPCOMS) in 1959.
This organisation undertook procurement of fruits and vegetables from farmers and sold them directly to the consumers. HOPCOMS became a model for marketing of perishables across the nation. Similarly, Marigowda helped organise private nurserymen to operate in and around Bengaluru on cooperative principles. This led to the establishment of the Nurserymen Co-operative Society (NCS) in 1964. This society became a common platform for nurserymen and led to a nursery revolution in the State. Marigowda also strengthened the Mysore Horticulture Society (MHS). Through MHS, it became convenient to conduct horticultural shows, melas, seminars and various other programmes that benefited the farmers and general public.

As a result of his efforts, the Horticulture Department became a major department from a minor one in 1963. This enabled Marigowda to perform more efficiently with greater resources and manpower, and also reach out to rural areas more effectively. To help reduce the loss while handling and marketing perishables like fruits and vegetables, Marigowda introduced various new techniques. He established a novel preservation and processing unit at Lalbagh and demonstrated the scientific ways and means of utilising perishables for processing and preservation, and make value-added products. This effort also paved way for the speedy growth of fruit and vegetable processing industry in India.

Marigowda intended to develop horticulture in the State on scientific lines and to facilitate this, he established various laboratories for soil and water analysis, seed testing, and rearing parasites to control pests among others. This encouraged entrepreneurs to start their ventures in the State. Realising the importance of horticultural training, he established the first horticultural training centre at Lalbagh in 1958. Similar training institutes were established in other regions as well.

Other noteworthy contributions of Dr Marigowda include: upgrading and beautifying the Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park and many public gardens in other cities; beautification of hill stations like Kemmannagundi and Nandi Hills; greening of Bengaluru and large scale planting of avenue trees; establishment of a separate wing for landscape gardening; introduction of cocoa for commercial production in the districts of Western Ghats; popularisation of cultivation of minor fruits; awareness creation about kitchen gardening and development of progeny orchards of horticulture crops at different places.

Dr Marigowda’s mission of horticultural development did not stop even after his retirement in 1974. He remained very active in  guiding the departmental officers, farmers and nurserymen. He passed away in 1993. Dr Marigowda is still a guiding spirit for many farmers, horticulture officers and many others engaged in the field.