Chanakya University hosted the Raita Siri – Farmers Empowerment programme, reaffirming its commitment to rural empowerment, sustainable agriculture, and grassroots innovation. The event was held on 24th April 2025 at the University Campus and witnessed the presence of several distinguished guests from diverse domains, including agriculture, science, governance, and academia. The programme was jointly organized by the Centre for Sustainability, School of Law Governance and Public Policy and Chanakya to Community.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome and invocation, followed by the formal inauguration of an esteemed panel of guests who addressed the gathering with insightful remarks.
Sri Sashi Kumar, CEO and Co-Founder of Akshaya Kalpa Organics, emphasised the potential of organic farming as a sustainable and economically viable option for farmers. “We need to bring dignity back to farming. It’s time we move from chemical dependence to nutrition-focused, soil-conscious agriculture that ensures health for both farmers and consumers,” he said. He also discussed the entrepreneurial spirit required to scale ethical agricultural models.
Sri Harishkumar, Horticulture Officer, appreciated the University’s initiative in such a farmer-centric programme. “Horticulture is the future of small-scale sustainable agriculture. With the right market linkages and training, farmers can achieve both food security and financial independence,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of diversification in crop cultivation.
Dr. P. G. Diwakar, ISRO Chair Professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), spoke about the role of space technology in modern agriculture. “Remote sensing and satellite data can be vital in crop monitoring, soil health assessment, and managing disasters like floods and droughts. We must make this technology accessible to our farmers,” he said.
Sri Mannina Mane Maheshanna, a progressive farmer from Tumkur, who shared his real-life experiences in adopting natural farming practices. “The soil speaks to us—if we listen. My journey has been about unlearning what harms the land and re-learning what sustains it. Today, I am not just a farmer; I am a caretaker of the Earth,” he said passionately.
Dr. Prakash, Former Director of the Karnataka Natural Calamity Monitoring Centre, spoke on the importance of resilience in agricultural planning. “Climate change is not a distant threat—it’s here. Early warning systems, micro-irrigation, and crop insurance must be part of every farmer’s toolkit,” he stated.
Sri Radhakrishna, President of the Chennahalli Village Panchayat, focused on the synergy between local governance and sustainable agriculture. “Panchayats must lead the way in promoting eco-friendly farming and providing support to young rural entrepreneurs,” he said.
From the academic leadership, Prof. Yashavantha Dongre, Vice Chancellor, reiterated the role of the University in empowering rural India. “At Chanakya University, we believe in learning from the ground. Farmers are not just practitioners—they are knowledge-holders,” he said.
Prof. H S Subramanya, Pro Vice Chancellor, encouraged students to engage with rural realities. “Agricultural innovation needs young minds. Our classrooms should extend to the fields,” he remarked.
Dr. Chetan Singai, Dean, School of Law, Governance and Public Policy, moderated the session and reflected on the integration of policy, law, and local wisdom. “True change happens when governance listens to the ground,” he concluded.
The Raita Siri programme was a vibrant confluence of knowledge, experience, and vision. It successfully bridged the gap between traditional practices and modern innovations, and reaffirmed Chanakya University’s commitment to sustainable development and community engagement.
