🌿 Bayalu Seeme Savayava Belegarara Santhe - Mandya 🌿

 

🌱Established seven years ago in Mandya, this Santhe (farmers' market) was launched to facilitate direct farmer-to-consumer sales and raise awareness about the benefits of healthy, chemical-free eating. Despite facing numerous initial hurdles, the initiative has flourished; today, over 15 to 20 farmers participate every Sunday and Wednesday from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM to sell their fresh produce directly. The participating farmers draw deep inspiration from the legacies of Sri Rajiv Dixit (Swadeshi movement), Subhash Palekar (pioneer of natural farming), and the late Dr. Narayana Reddy, among other renowned agricultural figures. This movement has motivated many local farmers to transition from synthetic chemicals to sustainable natural farming.

🌱A notable success story is Vinay Anna from Hullegala (KM Doddi hobli, Malavalli taluka). Inspired by Sri Rajiv Dixit ji, he began his natural farming journey over 13 years ago. Remarkably, he is also among few farmers who is proficient in Sanskrit. Using indigenous Desi Gowmaata like Hallikar and Malnad Gidda cows, he cultivates six varieties of desi rice, pulses, multiple types of coconut, and various naati fruits.

🌱Known for his relentless energy, Vinay Anna does not just tend to his own land; he has actively helped numerous farmers across Malavalli taluka adopt natural farming techniques. A few years ago, he founded Krishik Naturals, an organization that aggregates natural produce from various farms. His products are now featured in various Krishi/Swadeshi Melas and are regularly supplied to sustainable organizations in Bengaluru, such as Raagi Kana in Gottigere. 

He has been awarded recently by prominent people and cultural organisations for his tremendous work.

From Corporate Bengaluru to the Fields of Mookhahalli: Meet Girish 🌿

 

Girish anna is a natural farmer practicing near Gundlupete, inspired by pioneers like Subhash Palekar and Masanobu Fukuoka’s The One Straw revolution. Four years ago, he has left his corporate desk for a multi-layered sustainable farm near to his hometown.

What makes his farming unique?

•⁠  ⁠Zero Compost: He focuses on natural soil enrichment rather than external inputs.

•⁠  ⁠Biodiversity: His farm features a sustainable mix of Coconut, the famous Nanjangud Rasabale banana, turmeric, and spices.

•⁠  ⁠Direct Access: He has just harvested a fresh crop of Natural Pitambari Turmeric (expected range of Curcumin to be around 2% ).

Anyone interested could contact Girish Anna at 9886138923 to place your pre-order for natural turmeric.

SiddaSanna - Indigenous Rice of Mandya

 Drawing inspiration from Vidyakshetra, this experience shares insights into a local indigenous rice variety from Mandya, Karnataka: Sidda Sanna

Brief History

The 'Sidda Sanna' rice was developed by Boregowda, a dedicated natural farmer from Shivalli Village, Mandya district. Known locally as "Paddy Boregowda" (ಬತ್ತದ ಬೋರೇಗೌಡ), he has spent over a decade leading extensive indigenous paddy conservation efforts.

• Variety Development: Sidda Sanna is a fine, thin-grained rice variety, selectively bred from the indigenous 'Gandhasale' paddy.
• Health Benefits: Suitable for daily consumption, the rice with its bran is noted for being rich in fiber (good for digestion), possessing anti-inflammatory properties, and containing essential micronutrients like Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Boron (B), and Sulfur (S).
• Farming Practices: Boregowda employs natural and organic farming methods, utilizing inputs derived from local Hallikar and AmruthMahal Desi Cow breeds.
• Conservation Efforts: He has preserved over 210 types of indigenous rice varieties and supplies seeds to hundreds of farmers across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu via organizations like SaharaSamrudha.
• Recognition: For his remarkable contributions, Boregowda has earned the prestigious "Plant Genome Saviour Award".
• Rice Museum: He has also established a valuable Rice Museum at his home, which is a recommended visit for learning about traditional agriculture.

My Experience:

• I have personally tried many indigenous rice varieties out of which this particular variety has been a staple in my family  (including 1+ year baby) for the past 8 months. 
• Also facilitated the procurement of Siddasanna seeds for a natural farmer in Kumbakonam.
• He also has built a Rice Museum at his home which is worth to visit and learn.

How to Order:

To purchase this rice, you can contact Boregowda anna directly:

• Price: 1 kg costs approximately Rs. 100/-, plus Rs. 10-20 for transportation.
• Contact Number: 7829020746.
• Delivery: He can arrange delivery to your home or the nearest VRL godown, depending on your location.

                ಬತ್ತದ ಬೋರೇಗೌಡ

Sri Kalappa - ಇವರು ಬೀಜಗಳ ಅಪ್ಪ

 

Who is he?

నశించిపోతున్న విత్తనాలకు పునరుజ్జీవం పోసి, వాటి కాలాన్ని తిరిగి తీసుకువచ్చిన వారే ఈ కాలప్ప.

ನಶಿಸಿ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿರುವ ಬೀಜಗಳಿಗೆ ಮರುಜೀವ ನೀಡಿ, ಅವುಗಳ ಕಾಲವನ್ನು ಮತ್ತೆ ತಂದವರು ಇವರೇ ಕಾಲಪ್ಪ

True to his name, Kaalappa, a natural farmer revived the perishing desi seeds and brought back their time.

On 21st December, 2025, Sunday, it was a well spent at Beeje Kalappa’s farm in Piriyapatna! 🌱 Organized by GoPals, this workshop on Desi seed conservation reached 100+ participants eager to trial natural techniques. Huge thanks to Kalappa for sharing his wisdom, and it was wonderful to see our own Vidyakshethra members Lakkanna and Divya Akka in attendance. Moving forward, GoPals looks forward to organizing more of these direct-from-the-field events to nurture the next generation of eco-conscious farmers. Special thanks to @Swati Balaji Akka for sharing this event details in our community 🚜✨ #GoPals #NaturalFarming #DesiSeeds #SustainableAgriculture