Mysuru:  Byathahalli Madappa, a farmer residing at Siddalingeshwara Layout in JP Nagar here has successfully grown fruits and vegetables through organic farming at his one acre land, disclosed Dr. H.C. Govindaraju of Organic Farming Research Station, Naganahalli (OFRSN).

Speaking at a press meet at Patrakarthara Bhavan here on Saturday, Govindaraju said that Madappa who owns six acre of land in Byathahalli in Mysuru taluk has utilised one acre to grow banana, coconut, gajanimbe, chakkota, sapota and vegetables through organic farming and supplying directly to consumers. He recalled that after 1965, high-yielding varieties of crops and chemical fertilisers entered the scene which was hazardous to environment and leading to health issues among consumers. He pointed out that organic farming is the best option now where the yield could be low initially but would pick up after five or six years. He commended Madappa for the efforts and selling the produce directly to people once in two days near Puttaraj Gawai Stadium in JP Nagar.

Unwinding his experiences, Madappa said that he was working as a civil construction worker and later on as a contractor which was not satisfying. He further said that he took up organic farming which was encouraging and added that the produce was being consumed by his family also. He disclosed that he was diabetic from an young age and with organic food he said that his dependence on medicines has been drastically reduced. He advised farmers and people to become aware of organic food.

Taluk Agricultural Officer M.S. Gurumurthy announced that Organic Farming Board would be presenting a certificate to Madappa in recognition of the latter’s achievement in organic farming.

JP Nagar Vishwamanava Vokkaligara Sangha President K.S. Krishna and Yoga Trainer Shivaprakash were present at the press meet.