When farming makes up for everything

Udupi-based Sharavathi UR has been involved in farming since her childhood. She has worked as a teacher in Kaup near Udupi and is now retired.

Her life now completely revolves around farming which has brought her many laurels from Karnataka and abroad. Her book, “Swabhivruddhi” was awarded the State-level Women’s Literary Award.

On the occasion of Women’s Day, Sharavathi has this to say:

“When we started farming we were told that there is no need for salaried professionals like us to dirty our hands tilling lands. We never thought of farming as work nor did it for any income. On the contrary, farming made us save so much from our salary as we did not have to spend much on groceries.”

“After my retirement, we involved ourselves fully in farming and started selling the produce from our farm, which became a good source of income. We also started to make grape squash and other organic food products.”

“During the lockdown, we did not have to struggle for a single day for food as we sustained on our farm produce.”

“My message to all women, whether working or not, is that farming is the best stress reliever. Time and space will never be a constrain especially today with terrace and hydroponic farming. It is also the least expensive leisure activity one can be engrossed in.”