One-day visit to the farms of agricultural achievers

26 January 2026

One-day visit to the farms of agricultural achievers

Places of visit:

1) Dr. Jayakumar, Retd. Principal, SDM College, Ujire - Terrace Gardening Expert

2) Sri Shivaprasad Malebettu, Ujire - Integrated Vegetable Farmer

3) Sri Prakash Joshi, Naravi - Integrated Farmer, Honey Farm Pandit, Astrologer

4) Sri Gopakakrishna Bhat, Venooru - Cattle-based Farmer, Irrigation Expert

The January 26 tour organized by the Organic Farming Consumers’ Group truly inspired even someone like me, who is not a farmer. Until now, we were eating food containing chemicals without any choice. This tour showed us how poison-free food can be grown even in small spaces and on terraces.

Our first visit was to the home of Dr. Jayakumar and his wife in Ujire, called “Shridharma.” It felt like a garden of plants—beautifully arranged greenery everywhere. The way they welcomed us and invited us into their home reflected their kind hearts. Dr. Jayakumar’s offer to send plants to anyone who needed them clearly came from the heart. Along with tasty snacks, the Shankhapushpa flavored rice prepared by his wife was a new and special taste for many of us. Their shared passion truly showed that they are made for each other.

Our next stop was the farmhouse of YouTube King Shivaprasad Malebettu. Through live demonstrations, he explained how many plants can grow naturally and support each other even in a small area. Lunch consisted of kuchalakki rice made from organic paddy, sambar prepared with homegrown vegetables, and was served with smiling faces by his family and children. Because of their warmth and affection, many of us ate a little more than usual. Whenever the seeds and saplings he gave us grow, we will surely remember him.

Next, we visited the home of honey expert Harish Joshi. He shared his knowledge on increasing plant wealth, especially about pollination, and his talent was clearly visible. His understanding of astronomy was at a level equal to university professors. It would be wonderful if schools and colleges could make use of his knowledge.

Finally, we visited the home of irrigation expert Gopalakrishna Bhat. He is a living example of how water can be used wisely. He strongly believes that if cow-based farming disappears, the world itself will be destroyed. He can speak for hours about life values, and our time limitation may have disappointed him slightly.

Overall, I feel that we gained much more knowledge than we expected from all four places. It was special that Shivaprasad accompanied us throughout the entire journey. The discipline and appropriate guidance of Ratnakar Kulai, along with the cooperation of other office bearers, made the tour smooth and successful. The group’s gesture of honoring the four farmers with organic rice, jaggery, and souvenirs is truly commendable.

For some of us, the joy of traveling in a pickup vehicle was an added bonus 😊