The readers’ response to the numerous events and articles/social media posts on Bael Pani and the event at the Igguthappa Temple have been significant and meaningful. This is the continuation in the series of responses, the second of which is published below.
Building on the comment that we need to find ways of creating commercial value in growing paddy, to make it more sustainable in the modern context can it branded in an unique manner?
Can it sold directly to “tourists” in attractive packaging describing the historical virtues of rice grown in Kodagu?. After all, much is made of wine and coffee grown as Single Estate, uniquely flavored, rich terroir and so on and sold at a premium!!
Our attention was drawn to the phenomenal contribution of King Bhumibol’s extraordinary leadership in Making Thailand self-sufficient through sustained trailblazing efforts in growing rice – especially making it viable for small growers.
He was fondly revered as The Rice King.
Kindly access this link https://foodsecurity.mekonginstitute.org/story-20161104-a-tribute-to-the-rice-king.
Enduring and sustained efforts is required with unwavering leadership starting at the grassroots level – Okka/Ainmane, to the District Administration and beyond. We often hear the older generation saying “eat rice cooked from paddy free from chemical fertilizers”. Even now, there are dedicated paddy farmers who only use organic manure – preferably cattle gobra – apparently the quality and safety of what we grow for our table (read home consumption) needs to be protected.
I loved the topic and articulation. The decline of traditional practices, like rice farming in Kodagu, reflects a broader challenge faced by many indigenous and deep-rooted cultures. As the world changes, so do the needs and dynamics of these communities, making it increasingly difficult to keep traditions alive. To address this, we must explore various ways to popularize and sustain these practices while ensuring the quality of the harvest remains high.
One effective approach could be the regular organization of cultural festivals, similar to how our ancestors celebrated key farming events. These festivals should not only celebrate tradition but also engage the community, particularly the younger generation. Unfortunately, the significance of such festivals has diminished over time, with more focus on the spectacle than the core values they represent.
A key barrier to participation in these festivals is that schools and offices often remain open, preventing many from attending. To truly revive and pass on these traditions, local schools should close during cultural festivals, allowing students to actively participate and learn. This would ensure that the torchbearers of these traditions—the younger generation—remain connected to their heritage.
In my view, the root cause of our struggle to pass on these traditions to the next generation lies in the lack of participation from our own children. If students and their families are not involved, the chain of cultural transmission is broken. By making cultural festivals more accessible and ensuring active participation, we can help preserve these invaluable traditions for the future.
Vineyard tourism is the best example, where we take the cue.
I am enjoying the series very much – it is factual with proper understanding and analysis of the importance of paddy cultivation for Kodavas.
The best part for me is the reference to The Rice King Bhumibol of Thailand. There are many important lessons for us from the life of King Bhumibol.
– The King’s projects have long supported the livelihood of small-scale farmers and particularly the rice farmers that constitute the heart of rural Thailand.
– Projects are grouped under headings: agriculture, animal husbandry, crop substitution, education, fisheries, irrigation, land development, medical, personal, rain-making, river basin development, road development, and watershed development.
– It is not necessary to promote agricultural production only in terms of quantity because this may be a waste of production costs and destructive to the quality of the soil. In fact, we should examine the state of the agricultural market, including some form of price regulation, to prevent farmers from being affected by price fluctuations.
– Development must take account of the topographical and sociological environments involved. The sociological environment means the habits and attitudes of the people. We cannot force others to think in the same way as we do. We can only approach, and suggest.
– It aims to promote sustainable self-sufficiency on small farm holdings by combining organic rice, vegetable, and fruit growing with fish and livestock production. It preaches full integration of farming systems and careful resource management.
– The King established a rice bank, from which farmers can borrow, either for seed or for family consumption. In a drive to provide a greater range of rice varieties for farmers in the country’s diverse environmental zones, different varieties were evaluated under different growing conditions.
– He regularly speaks out against farmer pessimism for the future of rice growing. “If someone says it is nonsense to grow rice—that it brings poor returns—then just think: if we do not grow rice, we will end up having to buy it from Vietnam or Burma (Myanmar),” the King said. “If we buy from Vietnam, we will have to pay for transportation and give profits to someone else.
All of the above are phenomenal words of wisdom. Growing Paddy cannot be taken up in isolation – there are many factors involved from seeds, organic fertilizers, government support for pricing, alternate use of land post monsoon, income augmentation programs and so on.
Growing Rice is a lifetime’s commitment of passion and consistent hardwork.
For a project of this scale of revival of paddy cultivation, strong leadership and cooperation is required at all levels – by farmers, Gram Panchayat, District Administration and the State Agricultural Ministry.
For Kodagu, cultivating paddy goes well beyond the crop – there is a huge environmental impact and a dire need to raise the level of the water table.
Can this happen – NOT with the past 68 years of District Administration post 1956 and fragmented farmer responses. Our local leadership’s ability to influence the State Government has been lackadaisical and wanting.
Can this change – perhaps – but a lot of moving parts will have to get aligned.
One of the way to boost paddy cultivation in Coorg is to permit local inhabitants to make Paddy Scotch which was known as Batha Sarai (BS) which will be a parallel income for many . Very few exists in Coorg who knows the process of making BS.