KSOU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sharanappa V. Halase inaugurated the three-day Kisan Swaraj Sammelan at the Muktagangothri campus of KSOU in Mysuru on Friday. | Photo credit: MA Sriram
“Agriculture today requires not only technological solutions but also community wisdom, environmental ethics and social justice,” said Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sharanappa V. Halas.
Inaugurating the three-day Kisan Swaraj Sammelan organized by the Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture (ASHA) and Prasaranga, the publication wing of KSOU, Prof. Halase emphasized the importance of universities serving as “bridges” that connect research, policy and lived reality.
Committed to providing higher education, KSOU is also dedicated to imparting agricultural knowledge. “The development of agriculture 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 inclusivity and regional knowledge exchange that is necessary to boost sustainable agriculture across South India,” he said.
KSOU registrar Prof. SK Naveen Kumar, who also spoke on the occasion, noted that universities should not remain mere centers of education but must evolve into institutions that understand societal challenges and work towards solutions.
Noting that South India has contributed significantly to the organic farming movement, ASHA President Kapil Shah emphasized the need to recognize and respect local traditional farming practices.
“Along with cows, buffaloes, bulls, donkeys and goats, they also play an important role in agriculture. As Vinoba Bhave said, when science joins hands with violence, it leads to destruction, but when science joins hands with non-violence, it leads to universal upliftment (Sarvodaya). ASHA is working to realize this vision,” he said.
UN Equator Initiative awardee and farmer leader Bibi Jan of Kundagol taluk in Dharwad district highlighted the significant role of women in agriculture. She said the Bibi Fathima Women’s Association in Thirtha village of Dharwad district has started a community seed bank to supply farmers with seeds of disappearing millets and pulses. “Thanks to this initiative, more than 5,000 farmers have returned to millet farming,” she said.
Renowned natural farmer Raghav of Davanagere emphasized that farmers must achieve seed sovereignty by using traditional seeds. “Desi seeds help make farmers free from dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Our lifestyle must come closer to nature and we must reduce our dependence on corporate products,” he said.
Director, Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Hyderabad, G. Ramanjaneyulu and President, Kerala Jaiva Karshaka Samithi Vishalakshan shared their experiences as special guests.
A report titled “Status of Subsistence Agriculture in Tamil Nadu” was also released on the occasion.
A biodiversity fair, organic stalls, organic food courts and tuber exhibition were organized as part of the Sammelan, which was attended by about 1,000 delegates from various states.
More than 100 seed conservators from different countries exhibit over 2,000 types of seeds, tubers and fruits at 40 stands. Seeds are also available for sale.
Published – 27 Feb 2026 21:08 IST
