Progressive farmer gets formal invitation to inaugurate Dasara

The Dasara Executive Committee on Monday extended a formal invitation to Puttaiah, a progressive farmer of Malara Colony in HD Kote taluk, for inaugurating this year’s Dasara.

A visibly elated Puttaiah said that earlier, scientists, scholars, writers, seers, musicians and other prominent personalities had inaugurated the Dasara celebrations. Now, at a time when most of the farmers are reeling under crisis, due to various reasons, it is a recognition for the farming community, he said.

Deputy Commissioner C Shikha, also working president of the committee, invited Puttaiah by offering him a shawl and fruits. Puttaiah will inaugurate the Dasara celebrations atop the Chamundi Hill on October 13.

He said, he will pray to goddess Chamundeshwari for the welfare of farmers.  “I will pray for good rains and good harvest. Also, I will appeal to the government to rescue the farmers in distress by providing marketing opportunities and announcing fair price for the produce,” Puttaiah added.

He said he had witnessed Jamboo Savari a couple of times, but none from his family had seen the celebrations.

Recalling the problems his family members faced earlier, he said, his father and elder brothers were bonded labourers and after their rehabilitation, the family stood united and strived to develop from owning just four acres to the present 40 acres of land.

‘Plan crops’
“The farmers should plan the crops so that they get returns every month, every three months, once in six months and also once in a year. One should practise austerity for prosperity. Nature and agriculture do not let down farmers. Crops should be cultivated depending upon the availability of water and condition of soil,” he said.

The Deputy Commissioner said, Puttaiah is a role model for the farmers in the State. “By inviting him to inaugurate Dasara, the government intends to instill confidence among the farmers,” she said.