Mangaluru: College students get a taste of paddy farming

Mangaluru, Jul 14: Rice is the most important food crop of India covering about one-fourth of the total cropped area and providing food to about half of the Indian population. To create awareness of cultivation of paddy National Service Scheme (NSS) of Milagres College organised paddy farming programme recently at Neermarga.

The paddy program was inaugurated symbolically by planting paddy in the field by the dignitaries such as Mr Victor A Pereira, Agriculturist, Neermarga, Mr Chethan Kumar Natillu, Member, Neermarga Gramapanchayath, Rev Fr Michael Santhumayor, Principal, NSS Program Officer Mr Denzil E Pinto and NSS Assistant Program Officer Ms Princita J DSouza and NSS Volunteers were present on the occasion

Addressing the students Mr Victor A Pereira congratulated the students for taking part in agricultural activities. Later he also explained about paddy cultivation and the need of educating students about the importance of agriculture and rain as source of cultivation. Mr Chetan Kumar Natillu, another dignitary said that every citizen should appreciate the hard work of every farmer and by minimize wastage of food.  Rev Fr Michael Santhumayor, Principal requested students to participate in socially productive activities. This was followed by planting paddy in the field by Guests, Principal and NSS Volunteers.

30 NSS Volunteers actively participated in the programme. They had hands on experience in planting paddy and also they developed the traditional cultivation skills. Mr Joel Pereira, Lecturer Milagres College hosted the program.