Agriculture requires community wisdom along with tech solutions, says KSOU V-C

“Agriculture today requires not only technological solutions, but also community wisdom, ecological ethics and social justice,” said Vice Chancellor of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) Prof. Sharanappa V. Halase.

Inaugurating the three-day Kisan Swaraj Sammelan organised by the Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture Alliance (ASHA) and Prasaranga, the publication wing of KSOU, Prof. Halase emphasised the importance of universities serving as “bridges” that link research, policy, and lived realities.

KSOU, which is committed to imparting higher education, is equally dedicated to advancing agricultural knowledge. “The development of the agriculture sector is the development of the nation. All sections of society must strive to ensure that farmers live with dignity and peace,” he said.

“The multilingual structure of the conference – with sessions in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam – reflects the spirit of inclusiveness and regional knowledge exchange that is essential for strengthening sustainable agriculture across South India,” he said.

Registrar of KSOU Prof. S. K. Naveen Kumar, who also spoke on the occasion, remarked that Universities should not remain mere centres of education, but must evolve into institutions that understand societal challenges and work towards solutions.

Convenor of the ASHA Kapil Shah, who noted that South India has made a significant contribution to the organic farming movement, stressed the need to recognise and respect local traditional agricultural practices. 

“Along with cows, buffaloes, bullocks, donkeys, and goats also play an important role in farming. As Vinoba Bhave said, when science combines with violence it leads to destruction, but when science joins hands with non-violence it leads to universal upliftment (Sarvodaya). ASHA is working toward realizing that vision,” he said.

United Nations Equator Initiative awardee and farmers’ leader Bibi Jan from Kundagol taluk in Dharwad district highlighted the significant role of women in agriculture. She said that the Bibi Fathima Women’s Association in Thirtha village of Dharwad district has established a community seed bank, supplying seeds of disappearing millets and pulses to farmers. “Over 5,000 farmers have returned to millet cultivation due to this initiative,” she said.

Renowned natural farmer Raghav from Davanagere emphasised that farmers must achieve seed sovereignty by using traditional seeds. “Desi seeds help free farmers from dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Our lifestyle must move closer to nature, and we must reduce dependence on corporate products,” he said.

Director of the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, Hyderabad, G. Ramanjaneyulu and President of the Kerala Jaiva Karshaka Samithi Vishalakshan shared their experiences as special guests.

On this occasion, a report titled ‘Status of Natural Farming in Tamil Nadu’ was also released.

As part of the Sammelan, which drew participation of around 1,000 delegates from different states, a biodiversity fair, organic product stalls, organic food courts, and a tuber exhibition have been organised. 

More than 100 seed conservators from various states are showcasing over 2,000 varieties of seeds, tubers, and fruits across 40 stalls. Seeds are also available for sale.