Shri Monappa Poojari, a resident of Kerumaru village in Puttur Taluk, initially studied for a diploma before joining the workforce as a bus conductor. During his job, he was deeply inspired by a revered speech on farming and its allied activities. This motivation prompted a career change, transforming him from a bus conductor into a dedicated farmer who began cultivating his own barren land.
His passion was strongly backed by his wife, Smt. Saroja Devi, a member of a Self-Help Group (SHG) associated with SKDRDP. He secured a loan through the Pragathinidhi program of SKDRDP and started by cultivating vegetables on his previously unproductive land.
As time went on, he expanded his operations to include coconut, arecanut, and jasmine cultivation. In his spare time, he also sells trays for arecanut and paddy transplantation. For his excellent work in paddy cultivation, he received the prestigious Dakshina Kannada District Award and the Puttur Samagra Krishi Award.
Early in his farming journey, he faced a severe water shortage. To overcome this, he constructed a soak pit on his land, following advice from SKDRDP.
Today, he stands as a guide and a successful example for many young people. He also acts as a farmer agent or mentor for youth who aspire to start a career in agriculture.