<p>Sirsi: In a unique effort to encourage the younger generation to take an interest in agriculture and promote the conservation of traditional rice varieties, a ‘Naati Habba’ (traditional paddy sowing festival) was organised on Friday by SKODWES (Society for Knowledge and Development of Women and Environment Studies) at Tudvi Mane in Unchalli of Sirsi taluk.</p><p>Several young men and women who had never stepped into a paddy field before joyfully participated in sowing paddy, experiencing traditional farming practices first-hand.</p><p>The event aimed to introduce modern youth to the methods used in traditional agriculture, which are gradually disappearing. </p><p><strong>Various activities held</strong></p><p>Various activities were conducted, including a display of endangered seed varieties, demonstrations of integrated farming techniques, women’s involvement in beekeeping, an introduction to the Bio-resource Centre, and forest-based farming models.</p><p>Participants collectively entered the paddy fields and engaged in the traditional sowing process, making the event both educational and experiential.</p><p>Speaking on the occasion, SKODWES representative Venkatesh Naik said that farmers, Self-Help Groups, and progressive agriculturists from different villages took part in the Naati Habba. </p><p>The organisation is currently cultivating several rare rice varieties in Unchalli, and the saplings of these traditional varieties were used during the event. Some of the varieties sown included Mysore Kagga, Gajamini, Shobhini, Rajamudi, and Manjuguni Sannadanta.</p><p>He added that in the coming days, these seeds would be distributed to farmers for conservation, and SKODWES itself would later procure the grown produce from them.</p><p>Assistant Commissioner K V Kavyarani and DSP Geeta Patil planted saplings in the courtyard of the Tudvi house and also participated in the sowing activities.</p><p>Forest College Dean R Vasudeva, Krishi Vigyan Kendra scientist Rupa Patil, and local leaders K V Khurse, K N Hosamani, Saraswati N Ravi, Shivaprasad Gaonkar, Vishweshwar Bhat, H Nataraj, Madhukar Naik, and Shashikant Verma were present.</p><p><strong>Agepuje and Gograsa offering</strong></p><p>As part of the ‘Naati Habba’ celebrations, the organising institution emphasised agricultural traditions by arranging Agepuje and Gograsa offerings.</p><p>Alongside, the event also showcased the modernisation of agriculture. By introducing both traditional and mechanical farming methods, the significance and charm of agricultural work were familiarised among the youth. Hundreds of people participated and joyously celebrated this Naati Habba.</p>
<p>Sirsi: In a unique effort to encourage the younger generation to take an interest in agriculture and promote the conservation of traditional rice varieties, a ‘Naati Habba’ (traditional paddy sowing festival) was organised on Friday by SKODWES (Society for Knowledge and Development of Women and Environment Studies) at Tudvi Mane in Unchalli of Sirsi taluk.</p><p>Several young men and women who had never stepped into a paddy field before joyfully participated in sowing paddy, experiencing traditional farming practices first-hand.</p><p>The event aimed to introduce modern youth to the methods used in traditional agriculture, which are gradually disappearing. </p><p><strong>Various activities held</strong></p><p>Various activities were conducted, including a display of endangered seed varieties, demonstrations of integrated farming techniques, women’s involvement in beekeeping, an introduction to the Bio-resource Centre, and forest-based farming models.</p><p>Participants collectively entered the paddy fields and engaged in the traditional sowing process, making the event both educational and experiential.</p><p>Speaking on the occasion, SKODWES representative Venkatesh Naik said that farmers, Self-Help Groups, and progressive agriculturists from different villages took part in the Naati Habba. </p><p>The organisation is currently cultivating several rare rice varieties in Unchalli, and the saplings of these traditional varieties were used during the event. Some of the varieties sown included Mysore Kagga, Gajamini, Shobhini, Rajamudi, and Manjuguni Sannadanta.</p><p>He added that in the coming days, these seeds would be distributed to farmers for conservation, and SKODWES itself would later procure the grown produce from them.</p><p>Assistant Commissioner K V Kavyarani and DSP Geeta Patil planted saplings in the courtyard of the Tudvi house and also participated in the sowing activities.</p><p>Forest College Dean R Vasudeva, Krishi Vigyan Kendra scientist Rupa Patil, and local leaders K V Khurse, K N Hosamani, Saraswati N Ravi, Shivaprasad Gaonkar, Vishweshwar Bhat, H Nataraj, Madhukar Naik, and Shashikant Verma were present.</p><p><strong>Agepuje and Gograsa offering</strong></p><p>As part of the ‘Naati Habba’ celebrations, the organising institution emphasised agricultural traditions by arranging Agepuje and Gograsa offerings.</p><p>Alongside, the event also showcased the modernisation of agriculture. By introducing both traditional and mechanical farming methods, the significance and charm of agricultural work were familiarised among the youth. Hundreds of people participated and joyously celebrated this Naati Habba.</p>
