CAAM's second anniversary:
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CAAM's second anniversary:
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Mr. Ramakrishna Shastri Padaru and Ms. Seema (wife of award winner Mr. G. Krishna Prasad who couldn't attend the function) received the awards in the farmer and general category respectively. Chief guest of the function Dr. Shivanajaiah Balekai and CAAM team member Mr. Addoor Krishna Rao presented the awards. The awards included a cash prize of Rs.2000 each, a citation and a parisara shilpa (environmental sculpture) with the theme of a tree. The sculptures were made by known artist Mr. M.S. Moorthy, Bangalore, for the occasion. Pointing at the reasons for the present status of farmers in his eloquent speech, development critic Mr. Addoor said, "Letting globalisation enter our houses has its own effect in many forms and stages. We never consume what we produce, which in turn reduces the demand for our produces as it happened in the case of many farm produces in recent years like coconut and coffee. For example, we use only 20 per cent of coffee we grow, " he said.
Explaining in detail various problems due to globalisation, Mr.Addoor said that the switch is in the farmers' hands to promote or to discourage globalisation. He illustrated his words with instances from his own life and that of his father, who is a farmer. "Farming demands tolerance and hard work. If we try to get the result overnight, results will be shocking. Development is not deepening the bore well from 1,500 feet to 1,600 feet to match the depleting water table," Mr.Addoor said. Dr. Shivananjaiah Balekai, an organic farmer, gave suggestions on organic farming, based on his experiences. Distinguishing natural farming from chemical farming, he said, "The soul of natural farming lies in its ground cover." He also emphasised on maintaining ecological balance in the farm to overcome many of the diseases and problems the crops are suffering from. Dr. Shivaram Pailoor, Director, Centre for Alternative Agricultural Media outlined the activities of CAAM to the audiences and briefed them about the award. Mr. Vijay Angadi of Parisara Priya Krishikara Sanghatane compeered the programme.
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