03/03/2026
From Policy to Practice: The KSS Journey Continues from KSOU to Belavala and CFTRI
The inspiring three days of the Kisan Swaraj Sammelan 2026 at Karnataka State Open University concluded yesterday in Mysore. Yet, for many participants, the journey of learning did not end with the closing session.
In the early hours this morning, twenty passionate participants from different South Indian states arrived at Belavala Farm with a thirst to see agroecology in action. The visit kicked off with an engaging “game of statements,” breaking the ice and establishing a crucial lesson: agroecology is not merely the science of textbooks, but the dynamic science of action.
As the group walked through the diverse agroecological crop models on the farm, the Belavala team explained the intricate connections between soil health, crop diversity, nutrient recycling, and water conservation. They witnessed firsthand how livestock integration builds crop resilience and strengthens natural pest management, ultimately enhancing long-term productivity without external inputs.
By the end of the field visit, the Belavala team felt a deep sense of fulfilment — not merely because the program concluded successfully, but because they had contributed, in their own small way, to spreading agroecological knowledge across the states of South India.
Exploring Science at CFTRI
However, the learning didn't stop in the field. The team then proceeded to the CFTRI Campus in Mysore to visit the Banana Incubation Centre. Here, the focus shifted from growing food to processing it.
The visit to the CFTRI incubation centre provided the farmers with a vital link in the food value chain. They explored:
· Value Addition: How the humble banana (and its pseudo-stem) can be transformed into high-value products like flour, fiber, and processed snacks.
· Food Technology: The role of science in reducing post-harvest losses and increasing farm income.
· Entrepreneurship: The facilities available at the incubation centre for agri-preneurs looking to start food processing ventures.
This combined experience—from the soil of Belavala to the labs of CFTRI—gave the team a holistic view of the agricultural spectrum
