Pics: Aditya Aithal

Daijiworld Media Network – Kaup (TP)

Kaup, Jun 25: With dedication and interest in farming, even a small piece of land can be transformed into a model of success. Jayakar Shetty, a resident of Katapady in Kaup taluk, has proven this by turning every inch of land around his house into a lush and vibrant garden filled with a variety of flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

Stepping into Jayakar Shetty’s home environment is a refreshing experience. The colourful blooms, diverse fruits and vegetables, and a range of medicinal plants create a natural paradise — all made possible by his deep-rooted passion for farming.

Jayakar Shetty’s journey began in childhood, when he moved to Mumbai for his education. While serving in the Scouts movement there, he developed an interest in planting and nurturing saplings. Later, after working in a hotel, he returned to his native place due to personal reasons. Upon his return, he began cultivating the vacant space around his house, using manure and adopting sustainable farming practices. In doing so, he continued his family’s agricultural legacy.

Today, Jayakar Shetty cultivates over 170 varieties of flowers, fruits, and vegetables on just 35 cents of land around his house. These include papaya, chikoo, various types of jackfruit, custard apple, Ramphal, Lakshmanphal, Hanumanphal, pineapple, coconut, areca nut, yam, Malabar spinach, black pepper, betel leaves, dill leaves, vandele leaves, and many more.

Jayakar Shetty’s story stands as a shining example of how one can lead a peaceful and self-sufficient life through simple yet effective farming practices. His efforts show that successful farming does not require large tracts of land.

Speaking about his journey, Jayakar Shetty said, “During my school days, I was part of the Scouts, where I learned how to plant and nurture saplings. Growing our own vegetables and consuming them brings a unique taste that you will not find elsewhere. On our 35 cents of land, we cultivate a wide variety of crops, vegetables, and plants including pomelo, papaya, Averrhoa bilimbi, chikoo, custard apple, Ramphal, Lakshmanphal, Hanumanphal, three types of pineapple, coconut, areca nut, elephant foot yam, sweet potato, green chilies, leafy greens, black pepper, betel leaves, guava, jackfruit, aloe vera, medicinal herbs, and more. After returning from Mumbai to our native place, I was determined to develop a garden here and reconnect with farming, which has always been our family’s traditional livelihood.”

If more youth take inspiration from such initiatives, it could pave the way for a healthier and more sustainable society.