Chikkamagaluru: Sringeri Kshetra Raita Okkutta, which was established in Nov 2025, came as a beacon of hope to farmers in the region, as the Okkutta aimed to combat the growing crisis in farming, like human-wild animal conflicts and issues with the Karnataka Land Revenue Act and Forest Right Act.The Okkutta president, Gaddemane Vishwanath, promised the farmers that the organisation would protect their welfare and also bring permanent and suitable solutions to the issues faced by the farming community.At the induction ceremony of the office-bearers and the release of the Okkutta shawl, website and mobile application at Narasimharaja Pura on Saturday, thousands of farmers from three taluks participated in the event.N Rangnath Neluvani, a farmer from Narasimharaja Pura taluk, said Malnad had great resources and that people lost peace due to the greed of others. He said a lack of commitment from politicians and officials resulted in devastation. “Although they safeguarded the ecosystem and waterbodies, they were the worst affected due to projects such as dams and reservoirs. Many lost their lives,” he said. “Farmers never harm anyone, and we will definitely have a good time. The Okkutta came as a ray of hope for the farming community,” Rangnath said.“Our farmers faced several issues without proper and permanent solutions. Until now, several agitations were witnessed, but nothing much changed,” said Chandru, a farmer.“We had no proper platform to raise our voice. Today, the Okkutta came as a blessing for farmers in the region. Such a platform was much needed to get our rights,” said Rathnakar.Farmer DL Satish launched the Okkutta website, and SS Shantha Kumar released the mobile application.
