On Saturday more than 150 varieties of leaf green vegetables and their seeds on the display on the “sopp” in Mysur. | Photo Credit: Ma Sriram
On Saturday, the two-day SOPP began in Mysuro and the promotion of leaf green vegetables-elevated to revive the culinary herbal heritage associated with them.
The event, which took place in the Nanjaraja Bahadur Chloudec, was organized together by Sahaja Samrudha, the producer of Hulikada Farmers Producers Company and ICAR – JSS Krisshi Vigian Kendra, Suttur.
R. Santosh Nayak, Director, Directorate of Outreach, Karnataka State Open University, opened Mel and said that vegetables are currently being grown to meet the market requirements. But in this process, there is an erosion of knowledge of leaf green cultivated next to and the culture that surrounds it, especially in urban areas, he added.
“After thousands of years of leaf meals, which complemented local diet, not only filled the plate, but also protected our mental health. We try to bring back the culture of the Greens,” said Mr. Nayak.
He said that rural women are ambassadors of leaf green, because their knowledge of edible Greens is huge and should not only be used, but also passed offspring.
G. Janardhan, the Dean Horticulture College, emphasized the nutritional aspect of the leaf green and said that they play a major role in the provision of micronutrients that are necessary for the body, help improve vision, control high blood pressure and increase immunity.
BN Gnanesh, Head of ICAR-JSS Krishi Vigian Kendra, Suttur, pointed out that the extensive use of chemical pesticides and herbicides erased leafy green and said farmers should be more cautious and consumers should encourage those who produce food without poison.
G. Krishna Prasad, director of Sahaja Samrudha – an ecological farmer’s team, said that although the world of the Greens is huge, only a few varieties were known. “Hundreds of naturally growing leaf green, otherwise released as mere weeds, are rich in healing properties. This fair was organized to raise awareness of such neglected Greens,” he added.
Muraleedhar Gungurmale of Tiptur, who popularizes Greens throughout his campaign throughout the state “Ajjiya Madil Soppin Kadal,” explained the nutritional and healing value of the leaf green.
During two days farmers from Kundagol, Heggadadevanakote, Kanakapura and Gokarna, in addition to Nagarahole tribes and female groups from Shiggaon, show more than 150 varieties of greens and medicinal plants. In addition, seeds, added value products, organic products and fruit seedlings are also available.
On Sunday, the Green Cooking Competition will be held and participants can prepare leaf green foods at home and bring them to the venue by 12:30 for children aged five to 12, named “to Kannante Sopp” (as I will see them) will be held according to the organizers.
Published – September 2025 17:46
