Mysuru: World Food Day, along with National Women Farmers Day, was celebrated at Karnataka Institute of Agriculture Marketing auditorium on Hunsur Road in city this morning.

The event had been organised by Zilla Panchayat (ZP), Department of Agriculture, and Agricultural Technology Management Agency, in association with JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Suttur. 

Vice-Chancellor of Central Agricultural University, Manipur Prof. S. Ayyappan inaugurated the event. Joint Director of Agriculture, Mysuru Dr. M. Mahanteshappa presided over the gathering.

Speaking after inaugurating the event, Prof. Ayyappan quoted Mahatma Gandhi and said, “To a hungry man a piece of bread is the face of God. Current climate change has become a challenge to the whole humanity. Considerable number of women and children in the world are suffering from malnutrition. If we consider Global Hunger Index (GHI), which measures hunger at global, regional and national levels, India has slipped to 102nd place out of 117 countries. Average annual income of large number of farmers is just one lakh. 50% farming community involve women folks.”

Emphasising on measures to be taken for a better world, he said: “in order to help our farming community, we need to think about value addition, processing and conservation (Samvardhane, Samskarane and Samrakshane) of available food resources. Besides being extremely nutritious, millets consume less water. Sustainable agriculture should be given priority in today’s world.”

The event highlighted the theme of World Food Day 2019 ‘Our Actions Our Future’ along with other meaningful slogans including ‘Healthier Food Choices for Hunger Free World.’

Dean of Yelachenahalli College of Horticulture Dr. G. Janardhan was the chief guest. Indiramma Nagabhushanaradhya, a progressive farmer from Hanumanahalli of K.R. Nagar, delivered a speech on the occasion. Senior Scientist and Head of JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra-Suttur Dr. Arun Balamatti, Project Director of ATMA Dr. D.S. Somashekar and K.R. Krishnaiah were present.