Rani Parvati Devi College of Arts and Commerce
Rani Parvati Devi College of Arts and Commerce
Best Practice – I
1. Title of the practice : ANNABRAHMA– An Experiment with Organic Farming
2. Objectives of the practice
3. The context that required the initiation of the practice:
Rani Parvati Devi College of Arts and Commerce, Belagavi is known for its commitment to the land and people, strives hard to uphold the culture of the region which includes the food culture as well. As the world is moving fast in the production of high yield food grains and millets, the effect of food has been felt on the health of the present generation. The use of chemicals and fertilizers in growing such crops has resulted in high yields but the effect on the health has been adverse. Hence, the institute thought of creating an awareness among the staff and students about ‘Organic food grains and pulses’ grown purely through organic farming.
4. The Practice
The Annabrahma Programme is one of the best practices of the institute organized through Youth Red Cross Wing. It was initiated in the year 2017-18. It has three fold functions; orientation on the uses of organic farming, community involvement and entrepreneurial skills to be inculcated among the students.
The Youth Red Cross Wing conducted awareness programmes by organizing special lecture sessions and demonstrations by the experts . Shri. Shankar Langti, Sri Tejasvi Naik and Mrs Asha Naik who have been practically involved in the propagating organic farming to the farming community. They introduced various aspects of organic farming and the process of vermi-composting to the students.
A 30 hours certificate course on ‘Organic Farming’ was conducted in association with and with the help of Inner-wheel club to make students understand the importance of organic farming and its products.
The YRC unit of the College arranged students field visits to Mutaga and Gundenatti villages, where organic farming is practiced. The farmers explained the process and demonstrated the tools and techniques of organic farming. Special talks were also arranged during the field visits.
The exhibition and sale of organic food grains and millets is a very important part of Annabrahma programme, which is organised on the first Tuesday of every month on the College campus. It helps both the buyers and producers.
It has three fold benefits;
Every year in month of February YRC unit organizes “ANNABRAHMA”, the inter collegiate Rice Festival. On this occasion, the students of different colleges participate in the competition, this is an inter-collegiate food festival cum sale of prepared rice items by students.
The ANNABRAHMA programme is a signature programme of YRC unit of R.P.D. College and developed as the best practice of the institution. Many stakeholders including farmers, buyers and students expressed good opinion about the best practice of the college.
5. Evidence of Success – Impact of the practice:
The ANNABRAHMA programme made big impact on the students in particular and society in general who were the major beneficiaries of this practice. They were given the opportunity to know the best food for healthy life. It has influenced them to change their food habits. They also learnt the process of marketing the organic products. Field visits helped them to develop good rapport with farming community and exposed them to rural India. This practice has helped the farmers to connect with the consumers directly and extended the market for the organic products. The monthly market brought fair revenue for the farmers. They found new ways of selling the products through this practice. The programme had a great impact on the surrounding community and they developed the habit of using organic food grain. In general, the programme has influenced all the stakeholders involved in the practice.
6. Obstacles faced if any and strategies adopted to overcome them
The initial obstacles are introducing the concept of organic farming to the students with non-agricultural background. The city students were mainly influenced by fast food and white rice culture. Convincing these students regarding the importance of Organic Food was a challenge. These obstacles were overcome by conducting proper orientation from time to time through various activities. Another obstacle is the high price of organic products. COVID-19 was another obstacle to carry out field visits. The institution was not able to go to adopted villages because of lockdown. There was a brief pause in the on-field activities. However, the YRC maintained supply chain by following all the SOPs of the government and conducted exhibition and sale. It helped many farmers and buyers during these critical times.
7. About the Institution:
i. Name of the Institution : Rani Parvati Devi College of Arts and Commerce, Belagavi
ii. Year of Accreditation : 16.09.2016
iii. Address : Rani Parvati Devi College of Arts and Commerce, Tilakwadi, Belagavi
iv. Grade awarded by NAAC : 3.27
v. E-Mail : rpdprincipal@gmail.com iqac@rpd.edu.in
vi. Contact person for further details: Dr.(Smt.) S.I. Kittali, Programme Officer, Youth Red Cross, Wing. RPD College, Belagavi.
vii. Website: http://www.rpdbgm.edu.in