The “Yantrashree” programme, was organized by SKDRDP was held at the residence of farmer Sadashiva Poojary in Vamadapadavu, where a farmer field school was conducted.
Shri Manoj Menezes, Regional Director of the Agriculture Department’s Head Office, spoke at the event. He highlighted that the “Yantrashree” programme is being implemented by Shri Kshetra from Mangaluru to Goa and from Davangere to Chamarajanagar. They emphasized the need for farmers to diversify beyond just rubber and areca nut cultivation, stating that these crops alone “will not provide rice for meals.” To address this, the institution launched “Shri Paddhati” in 2010.
They acknowledged the expansion of areca nut cultivation in the state but stressed that all farmers should grow enough paddy for their household consumption, underscoring the importance of preserving paddy cultivation. They explained that through the “Krishi Yantra Dhare” initiative by Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala and the Agriculture Department, various machines are available at centers additionally informed that the “Yantrashree” programme has been implemented in 1,84,000 families across 87 taluks in the state. Last year, 21,000 acres were cultivated in the state under this programme, with Bantwal Taluk alone accounting for 500 acres. The same target has been set for the current year in Bantwal. Menezes concluded by wishing for increased interest in agriculture, especially since 2026 has been declared the “Year of Farmer Women.”
During the program, practical demonstrations were given on soil preparation, seed preparation, and seedling preparation, complementing the “Yantrashree” initiative.Attendees at the event included Jayananada, Taluk Project Officer; Mohan Naveen Chandra Shetty, CHSC Project Officer; and other delegates.