After students of Kittel Memorial PU College, it was the turn of DK PU College Principals' Association members and lecturers of various PU Colleges to harvest paddy cultivated at Baarde in Ambika Road on the outskirts of Mangaluru on Tuesday.
Speaking to DH, Kittel Memorial PU College Principal Vittala A said that paddy was harvested by 30 principals and lecturers of PU Colleges from 8.45 am to 11 am. “It was an attempt to create awareness on farming. Many are not aware of the difficulties involved in farming. Further, it will also motivate students to take up a similar initiative in the future.”
Members of various organisations harvested paddy on a two-acre paddy field at Baarde. The paddy was donated to an ashram and the straw to Govanithashrama. “It is a new experience for all of us,” said Vittala.
Principals who attended the paddy harvesting programme said: “If our initiative helps the farmers, then we will continue such initiatives in future.”
Badriya PU College Principal Yusuf said, “It was a meaningful programme. I come from an agricultural background and hail from Bayaru in Kasargod. My family is into farming. Various associations should come forward to help farmers. This will help the citizens to show interest in farming too.”
Government PU College, Mulki Principal Vishnumurthy said, “Farmers face problems due to non-availability of labour. The Principals Association aimed at instilling confidence among farmers. Students should also get to know the hard work involved in farming.”
Srinarayana Guru PU College, Katipalla Principal Umesh Karkera said, “A majority of the students are not aware of agriculture. Such a programme helps the students to get a basic knowledge of farming. Farming also gives peace of mind and physical exercise.”
Government PU College, Kombettu physics lecturer Vincent Mascarenhas said, “Farming activities in the district had dwindled due to labour shortage. Taking up cultivation on paddy fields will motivate farmers.”
DK district PU Department in charge Deputy Director Elvira Philomena, Principals Association President K K Upadhyaya, Vice Presidents Umesh Karkera, Sharmila were present.
