Young Science Enthusiasts from St Philomena College (Autonomous) Interview Agro Scientist Satyanarayana Beleri
Puttur, 5 May 2025: In an inspiring initiative that bridges youthful curiosity with grassroots innovation, three first-year BZC (Botany, Zoology, Chemistry) students from St Philomena College (Autonomous), Puttur, undertook an educational field visit to the home of renowned agro-scientist and conservationist Mr Satyanarayana Beleri. The visit stemmed from the students’ keen interest in sustainable agriculture and crop biodiversity.
Deekshitha K.S., Greeshma, and Disha—the inquisitive trio—conducted a thought-provoking interview with Mr Beleri, whose pioneering efforts in preserving and cultivating over 650 indigenous varieties of paddy, vegetables, and fruits have garnered national recognition. A self-taught agro-visionary, Mr Beleri has been instrumental in promoting eco-friendly farming methods and reviving traditional crops that are on the verge of extinction.
During the interaction, the students gained first-hand insights into organic farming, seed conservation, natural pest control techniques, and climate-resilient cropping systems. Mr Beleri emphasized the critical role of biodiversity in ensuring food security and ecological balance, particularly in the context of climate change and soil degradation.
The students, visibly inspired by the experience, described the encounter as transformative. “We didn’t just learn about plants; we witnessed a philosophy of living in harmony with nature,” said Deekshitha. Greeshma and Disha echoed similar sentiments, noting that such interactions bridge the gap between textbook science and real-world application.
Faculty members from the Department of Life Sciences commended the initiative, describing it as a successful example of experiential learning and community engagement.
