Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 13: Rice is the most important food crop of India covering about one-fourth of the total cropped area and providing food to about half of the Indian population. To create awareness of cultivation of paddy, National Service Scheme (NSS) of Milagres College recently organised a paddy plantation programme at Neermarga.

The paddy programme was inaugurated symbolically by planting paddy in the field by the dignitaries Victor A Pereira, agriculturist, Neermarga, Chethan Kumar Natillu, member, Neermarga gram panchayat, Fr Michael Santhumayor, principal, NSS programme officer, Denzil E Pinto and NSS assistant programme officer Princita J DSouza and NSS volunteers were present on the occasion.

Addressing the students Victor A Pereira congratulated them for taking part in agricultural activities. He also explained about paddy cultivation and the need to educate students on the importance of agriculture and rain as source of cultivation.

Chetan Kumar Natillu, another dignitary said that every citizen should appreciate the hard work of every farmer and minimize wastage of food.

Fr Michael Santhumayor requested the students to participate in socially productive activities.

This was followed by planting paddy in the field by guests, principal and NSS volunteers.

30 NSS volunteers actively participated in the programme. They had hands on experience in planting paddy and also developed traditional cultivation skills. Joel Pereira, lecturer Milagres College hosted the programme.