The two-day Desi Soppu Mela, where several varieties of leafy greens drew the attention of a large number of visitors, concluded at Nanjaraj Bahadur Choultry in Mysuru on Sunday (September 6).

Farmer groups from H.D. Kote, Kanakapura, Nagarhole, Kundgol and Wayanad in Kerala brought a wide range of medicinal and wild leafy greens for the fair, organised jointly by Sahaja Samrudha, Using Diversity, Hulikadu Farmers Producer Company and ICAR–JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Suttur.

A statement from the organisers said that the visitors were amazed by the diversity of greens that continued to thrive despite inadequate rainfall. “On Sunday, the final day of the fair, large numbers of Mysuru residents visited the event. By afternoon, most of the varieties brought by the farmers had sold out,” the statement said.

Uncultivated Seegesoppu was found to be particularly popular. “Seegesoppu grows naturally along the fences in our village. Here, it sold for ₹100 per bundle. We will come next year with a larger variety and quantity of greens,” said Neelamma, a woman farmer from Kundgol, happily sharing her experience.

“I brought two sacks of Berake Soppu, a diverse mix of traditional greens, from the fields and farmlands of our village with the support of Hulikadu Farmers Producer Company. Everything was sold out,” said Nagamma of Nooralakuppe village in H.D. Kote taluk.

Muralidhar Gungurmale, popularly known as ‘Soppu man of Karnataka’ shared valuable information about the importance and uses of different varieties of leafy greens.

The two-day Desi Soppu Mela concluded successfully, with visitors and enthusiasts from different parts of Karnataka expressing interest in organising similar festivals in their own regions.

Meanwhile, a drawing competition was organised at the venue. Speaking after distributing the prizes to the winners, Srivatsa Govindaraju of Chiguru Eco Space, Bengaluru, said parents should create awareness among children about the indigenous crops, traditional varieties and leafy greens while also introducing them to the rich local traditions.

“While our children are aware of what is happening around the world, they have little knowledge of the leafy greens that are disappearing right under their feet. Even school textbooks provide very little information about local biodiversity. Therefore, parents should bring their children to such fairs and introduce them to the fascinating world of indigenous greens,” he said.

As part of the fair, 21 students participated in the drawing competition, beautifully portraying the world of leafy greens through colours. G.L. Muralidhar of the Shivamogga Centre for Environmental Studies and Mr. Govindaraju served as judges. 

In the junior category, Drishya S. won first prize, Varnika L. second, and Rithav M.P. third. In the senior category, Bhavitha L. secured first prize, Gokul Aryan second, and Kushal R. third. Vinay Chandra P. and Saraha were the chief guests.