Connecting Soil to Child: Farmers Offering the Harvest with Gratitude
Honnavalli Village, Tiptur Taluk, Tumakuru District, Karnataka | 05 March 2026
A remarkable gathering celebrating the sacred bond between farmers, soil, and the nourishment of children took place at Honnavalli village in Tiptur taluk. The event brought together more than a thousand farmers along with eminent dignitaries, all united by a shared vision: to cultivate food with purity and purpose for the health of future generations.
The programme was graced by Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, Founder and Chairman of the Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, who has been leading a global humanitarian movement focused on nutrition, education, and healthcare.
The event also witnessed the presence of several distinguished guests:
- Anand Aa Shri — Chairman, Subhiksha Organic Farmers Multi-State Cooperative Society Ltd; Former Chairman, Karnataka State Organic Mission, Government of Karnataka
- B. A. Srinivasa Gupta — Managing Director and Chief Promoter, Bhagyalakshmi Group
- Dr. Ashok S. Alur — Vice-Chancellor, Kodagu University
- T. B. Jayachandra — Special Representative of the Karnataka Government in New Delhi and Former Minister for Law & Parliamentary Affairs
- Bharani Prasad — Director, SaiSure Nutritions and CEO, Subhiksha Organic Farmers Cooperative
- Venkataramana Reddy — Director, Secondary Agriculture, Government of Karnataka
Sacred Beginning: Raashi Pooja
The programme began with the Raashi Pooja, a sacred ritual where farmers offered the newly harvested ragi as a symbol of gratitude and devotion. The atmosphere was filled with sanctity and reverence, reflecting the deep spiritual connection between farmers, the soil, and the nourishment of children.
This gathering was organized to honour farmers who are supporting the Annapoorna Morning Nutrition Programme by supplying organically grown ragi, which is used in the SaiSure Ragi Multi Nutrient Health Mix served to school children.
A touching moment during the programme came when a young student from a government school shared how the SaiSure nutrition supplement has improved her health and learning ability—reminding everyone present of the profound impact of this initiative.
In a powerful moment of unity, the entire assembly of farmers stood together and pledged to adopt organic farming practices, ensuring that the food reaching children remains pure and healthy.
Addresses by the Dignitaries
Address by Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai
Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai spoke about the sacred role of farmers and the vision behind connecting soil to the nourishment of children.
He remarked that farmers are often compared to gods, yet society must ask whether it truly treats them with the dignity they deserve.
He shared a powerful vision of expanding the ragi-based nutrition initiative to 8 crore children across India and around the world. From next year, fortified ragi flour will also be supplied to countries such as Sri Lanka and Cambodia.
Emphasizing the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, he noted that the ragi cultivated by farmers in this region is not just feeding their own children but helping nourish millions of children across the world.
Sadguru also announced a unique initiative to honour the dignity of farmers. For the first time, “Krushi–Rishi Honor Certificates” will be conferred by Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence to farmers who practice noble and sustainable agriculture. In the first phase, 1,000 farmers will receive this recognition in July.
He also invited the farmers to visit Muddenahalli, referring to it warmly as their “parental home.”
Address by Anand Aa Shri
Speaking on the occasion, Anand Aa Shri expressed deep gratitude to Sadguru for gracing the event.
He remarked that the words of Sadguru are like nectar, inspiring everyone present. He shared that the organizers initially hesitated to invite Sadguru for the Rashi Pooja and farmer felicitation programme because they wondered whether they could do justice to such an invitation.
However, seeing the enthusiasm and dedication of the farmers gathered in Honnavalli, he expressed that the farmers themselves had answered that question and proved the strength of the movement.
Address by Dr. Ashok S. Alur
Dr. Ashok S. Alur addressed the farmers with a strong message about the health of the soil and the responsibility of modern agriculture.
He noted that in recent years many farmers have been using chemical fertilizers excessively without considering their long-term effects on soil health. As a result, the soil is gradually losing its vitality.
He praised the farmers of Honnavalli for taking a pledge to grow finger millet (ragi) without chemical fertilizers, calling it an act of reverence towards Mother Earth.
Dr. Alur shared a powerful anecdote where a farmer once asked him:
“If any living being dies, we bury it in the soil. But if the soil itself dies, where will we bury it?”
He encouraged farmers to return agricultural waste back to the soil instead of discarding it. By doing so, nearly 50% of the nutrients can naturally return to the soil, transforming into manure within three months.
He also stressed the importance of cattle in organic farming, noting that it is impossible to sustain organic agriculture without livestock. He encouraged each household to maintain four to six cows, combining agriculture with horticulture for sustainable livelihoods.
He concluded by expressing hope that the farmers of this region would become an inspiration to the entire world, as every grain they grow will strengthen children through the SaiSure nutrition programme.
From Minimum Support Price to Livelihood Honouring Price
One of the important ideas highlighted during the discussions was the need to move beyond the concept of Minimum Support Price (MSP) toward what was described as Livelihood Honouring Price (LHP).
While MSP focuses on minimum economic protection for farmers, LHP emphasizes dignity, sustainability, and fair value for the farmer’s livelihood. This concept reflects a deeper recognition of the farmer’s contribution to society and the essential role they play in nourishing the nation.
Conclusion
The Honnavalli gathering was far more than a farmers’ meeting—it was a movement of consciousness.
By connecting soil, farmers, and children, the programme demonstrated how agriculture can become a sacred act of service. When farmers grow crops with the awareness that their harvest will nourish children, the entire farming process transforms into an offering filled with purity and purpose.
With farmers committing to organic practices, institutions supporting sustainable agriculture, and nutrition initiatives expanding to millions of children, the event marked a significant step toward a future where healthy soil, empowered farmers, and nourished children grow together.
What began as a partnership between farmers and a nutrition programme is now evolving into a powerful movement that nurtures both the land and the next generation of humanity. 🌾
