25th Foundation Day of ASFK, started with a farmers mela at College of Forestry, Ponnampet on 26th November 2024. The event was presided by Dr Kushalappa. C G., the chief guest was Dr Puthra G . T. Director. Department of Agriculture, GoK.
The farmer mela had 5 technical sessions.
Technical Session I on Exploring new mechanisms to cultivate rice paddies was chaired by Mr. M.A. Kuttanna Past President. Sri. Ravishankar spoke of his experience of paddy cultivation and conservation of 35 traditional varieties in the process. Further, Sri. Panth Monappa expressed happiness about the paddy cultivation in wetland which aids in the rejuvenation of water bodies.
Technical Session II on Coffee based systems: The way forward was chaired by Mr. P.S.Subramani Past President. Ms. Ramapriya from ISHA FPO spoke of the service they provide, which facilitates to bring a positive change in the mindset of institutional buyers. Mrs. Anitha Naidu spoke of her Kodagu Women’s Coffee Promotion Council that promotes coffee growers and stirs awareness on application of coffee in cosmetic industry. Dr. Sridevi of Coffee Board spoke of entrepreneurship opportunities and women entrepreneurship in specific.
Technical Session III on Opportunities in allied agriculture was chaired by Dr. A C Ganapathy, Past President: Mr. Shyam Aiyappa in his talk on fish farming cast light on hydroponics and marketing channel for better price and value addition. Dr. Kencharaddi‘s talk focused on diseased colonies, death season management and integrated beekeeping method to increase the yield. Captain Thimmaiah’s talk highlighted the interweaving link between cow population, manure and agricultural yield.
Technical Session IV on Agroforestry and Horticulture was chaired by Mr A A Chengappa, Past President : Dr. Ramakrishna Hegde spoke on ecosystem services, the selection of species for agroforestry and the means to restore abandoned fields using casuarina and bamboo. Mr. Aiyappa from TATA coffee’s talk included production, economics and promotion of avocadoes and honey. Dr. Muralidhar CHES mainly spoke on the promotion of commercially important exotic fruits like rambutan, avocadoes, litchi and mangosteen; and also on revival of Coorg mandarin (project on rejuvenation of Coorg mandarin.
Technical Session V on Agri-Business opportunities was chaired by Mr Babu K R Past President. Mr Harish Alemada M D., SUCDEN Coffee Limited spoke on sustainability in Coffee Market and representative of Canara Bank spoke on Financing agriculture.
The chief guests for the concluding session was Dr Jagadeesha, R. C. Hon. Vice Chancellor KSNUAHS, Shivamogga, and Dr. Devagiri G.M., Dean (Forestry) College of Forestry, Ponnampet .
The formal members only event of 25th Foundation Day of ASFK, was held at The Spice Rack, Gonikoppal in the evening. During the event distinguished members, presidents and secretaries of ASFK were felicitated. Shri. M J Dinesh, Chairman, Coffee Board, Government of India delivered the Foundation Day lecture. Dr Jagadeesha R C., Honourable Vice Chancellor KSNUAHS, Shivamogga released the Souvenir. It was followed by felicitation to family of founding president of ASFK Dr M G Bopaiah. The first ASFK Silver Jubilee Scholarship Award was presented to Miss Thashina Olivia, during the event.