The former Vice-Chancellor of UAS R.R. Hanchinal, along with progressive farmers, inaugurating a field festival showcasing 42 native wheat varieties in Malali village of Kundgol taluk in Dharwad district on Monday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The former Vice-Chancellor of University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad, R.R. Hanchinal has emphasised on the need for increased use of native crop varieties by making consumers aware of their significance.

Inaugurating a field festival showcasing 42 native wheat varieties cultivated on the farm of farmer Chandrappa Hadimani in Malali village of Kundgol taluk in Dharwad district on Monday, he said that wheat varieties should be considered a treasure of agricultural diversity. They should be introduced to the next generation.

The programme was organised jointly by Sahaja Samrudha and RRA Network.

Prof. Hanchinal said that poisoning the soil and producing food is not the way forward as it is dangerous. He also emphasised the need for highlighting the nutritional significance of wheat and value addition to grain.

Director of Sahaja Samrudha G. Krishna Prasad pointed out that the wheat used by the present generation is often laden with chemicals, causing diseases and such being the case, there is a need for preserving and cultivating native wheat varieties.

Farm journalist Anandateertha Patil said that excessive use of chemicals fertilizers during Green Revolution for cultivating wheat and rice has now resulted in these foodgrains being blamed for health hazards.

However, by creating awareness about the nutritional benefits of native rice and wheat varieties, their consumption can be promoted, he said.

Seed conservator Shankar Langati, Rajyotsava award-winning farmer Mookappa Pujar, Yashasvini Women’s Group president Kamalamma and millet farmer Praveen Hebbali were present.