‘Ryta Sante’ Strengthens Direct Farmer–Consumer Link, Says GKVK VC Dr. S.V. Suresha
Bengaluru: The ninth edition of ‘Ryta Sante’, organised by the University of Agricultural Sciences (GKVK), Bengaluru, has reaffirmed its position as a transformative platform that directly links farmers with consumers while promoting fair pricing and quality produce. Addressing a large gathering at the event, Vice Chancellor Dr. S.V. Suresha highlighted the initiative’s growing impact, the university’s achievements in agricultural innovation, and the state government’s continued support for farmer-centric programmes.
Celebrating Farmers Through a Public Platform
Welcoming dignitaries and participants, Dr. Suresha said the ‘Ryta Sante’ was conceived with the vision of empowering farmers by eliminating middlemen and ensuring better returns for their produce. He noted that the celebration of Farmers’ Day, originally scheduled for December 23, was expanded into a larger public event in keeping with the Agriculture Minister’s vision of wider community participation.
He extended a special welcome to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and acknowledged Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy, who also serves as the Pro-Chancellor of the Agricultural University, for his guidance and encouragement.
Strong Institutional Backbone and National Recognition
Dr. Suresha underscored that the success of ‘Ryta Sante’ is rooted in the university’s consistent focus on innovation and farmer-oriented research. “The University of Agricultural Sciences has always been at the forefront of agricultural advancement, and this commitment has been recognised with the prestigious NAAC A+ accreditation,” he said, attributing the achievement to collective efforts of teaching and non-teaching staff, guided by the leadership of the Agriculture Minister.
Media Updates: +91-93531 21474 [WhatsApp] | indianowme@gmail.com
Economic Impact and Public Response
Providing insights into the scale of the initiative, the Vice Chancellor said the monthly ‘Ryta Sante’, held every fourth Saturday, records trade worth ₹8–10 lakh between 8 am and 4 pm. “Nearly 20,000 to 25,000 people visit the event each time, which reflects the trust both farmers and consumers have placed in this platform,” he noted.
The overwhelming response has even led to public demands for making the event a weekly affair. While acknowledging these requests, Dr. Suresha explained that logistical and academic commitments currently limit such frequency, though future expansion remains firmly on the agenda.
Government Support and Unique Innovations
Recalling the inception of the programme, Dr. Suresha said the Agriculture Minister had inaugurated the first ‘Ryta Sante’ and strongly advocated for its monthly continuation, emphasising its long-term benefits to farmers. The Vice Chancellor also expressed gratitude to the Deputy Chief Minister and the Agriculture Minister for inaugurating new university buildings, strengthening the institution’s infrastructure.
Among GKVK’s notable innovations, he highlighted the establishment of a unique honey testing system, the first of its kind in the country, designed to ensure quality assurance and protect consumer interests.
Commitment to a Farmer-Centric Future
Concluding his address, Dr. Suresha reaffirmed the university’s resolve to scale new heights through research that directly benefits farmers. “Our priority will always be farmer-friendly innovation that strengthens rural livelihoods and builds sustainable agriculture,” he said, thanking all stakeholders for their continued support.
With its growing reach and measurable impact, ‘Ryta Sante’ stands as a motivating example of how academic institutions, government leadership, and farmers can work together to create inclusive and resilient agricultural markets.
KEY QUOTES
-
“‘Ryta Sante’ was envisioned to empower farmers by removing intermediaries and ensuring fair prices,” said Dr. S.V. Suresha.
-
“The NAAC A+ accreditation reflects our collective commitment to farmer-oriented research and innovation.”
-
“Our focus remains on building sustainable, farmer-friendly agricultural systems.”
-
“ಮಧ್ಯವರ್ತಿಗಳನ್ನು ನಿವಾರಿಸಿ ರೈತರಿಗೆ ನ್ಯಾಯಯುತ ಬೆಲೆ ನೀಡುವುದೇ ‘ರೈತ ಸಂತೇ’ ಯ ಉದ್ದೇಶ,” ಎಂದು ಡಾ. ಎಸ್.ವಿ. ಸುರೇಶ್ ಹೇಳಿದರು.
-
“ಎನ್ಎಎಸಿ ಎ+ ಮಾನ್ಯತೆ ನಮ್ಮ ರೈತಪರ ಸಂಶೋಧನೆಗೆ ಸಿಕ್ಕ ಗೌರವ.”
-
“ರೈತ ಸ್ನೇಹಿ ಕೃಷಿ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆಯೇ ನಮ್ಮ ಮುಂದಿನ ದಾರಿ.”
byofha