M’lore:Horticulture department observes Birth Anniversary of Dr M H Marigowda

By Robert DCosta
Pics by John V Tauro
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 13 Aug 2013: The horticulture department, Dakshina Kannada (DK) Zilla Panchayat observed the birth anniversary of the father of horticulture Dr M H Marigowda at the Netravati Hall, Zilla Panchayat premises here on Monday August 12.

The programme was inaugurated by the state forest and DK district-in-charge minister Ramanath Rai by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais. Later, minister Rai showered flower petals on the portrait of Dr M H Marigowda.
Speaking on the occasion, Ramanath Rai said that in the coastal district paddy was the prime crop but due to commercial crops such as areca, cashew, palm, rubber, cardamom, cocoa and vanilla, most of the farmers gave up paddy cultivation and started to grow commercial crops. It is unfortunate for the farmers, said minister Rai.

Areca plantations have been affected by the yellow-leaf disease, the government is doing everything to compensate the areca growers. Arecanut has good value but due to yellow-leaf disease the areca growers are facing heavy loss. He also said that along with agriculture, w e need to take care of the forests. If we retain our forest and increase the plantation we can make this world a better place to live in, emphasized minister Rai.

Zilla Panchayat CEO Tulasi Maddinini said that The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act aims at enhancing the livelihood and security of people in rural areas by guaranteeing 100 days of wage-employment in a year to a rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. She further said that, at present agriculture is in danger and it is our duty to think seriously over it.  Most of the time, we depend on the same crop, once there was a rumor that the onion rate will reach the sky, and most of the farmers started to grow onion neglecting their regular crop, finally the onions were sold for 25 paisa per kilogram.  This should not happen. While concluding, Maddinini said, ‘Dr Marigowda, a horticulture expert, had dedicated his life for the development of horticulture, as it would help in uplifting farmers and provide healthy food for the society as a whole.’

’Horti-clinic’, information containing Horticulture book was released by ZP vice president Ritesh Kumar Shetty on the same occasion.

Mangalore south MLA J R Lobo said that Dr Marigowda, was called as father of horticulture and he dedicated his life for the development of horticulture. He had envisioned setting up of farms and farmer outlets in every district and taluk in the state, apart from measures to offer courses in horticulture at Lalbagh.

 

 

When Dr M H Marigowda took charge as the superintendent of horticulture in Mysore during 1951, the developmental works in the state started with an unprecedented pace. In 1963, consequent to the formation of the separate department of horticulture, he was elevated to the post of the director of horticulture. Several schemes which were earlier handled by the agriculture department, were transferred to this newly-formed department.

In 1965, the reorganization of the department took place and several posts were created, in order to carry over the task of horticulture development in the state. Also, a large number of new schemes were sanctioned.  In 1956, as a result of reorganization of the state, the horticultural activities were extended to all the 19 districts. Thus, he was responsible for elevating the minor department of horticulture to a major department. During his term, he took the horticulture to the rural areas and to the common man. Dr Marigowda was a staunch advocate of dry land horticulture and the principles and practices of these technologies were demonstrated in most of the farms started by him. Thus, through multifarious achievements and feats, the state of Karnataka became the Horticultural State of India and Dr Marigowda’s name became immortal in the history of horticulture development in Karnataka.

Horticulture deputy director Yogish H R welcomed the gathering. Assistant director Sanjeeva Nayak compered the programme.