‘Desi Soppu Mela’ in Mysuru on September 5 and 6

The Desi Soppu Mela, a celebration of indigenous greens, will take place in Mysuru on September 5 and 6 at Nanjaraj Bahadur Choultry. Organized by Sahaja Samruddha, Using Diversity, Hulikadu Farmers' Producer Company and ICAR-JSS Krishi Vignana Kendra, the event aims to revive public interest in forgotten food heritage. It will showcase over 150 varieties of indigenous and naturally growing greens, including rare and lesser-known greens such as Kirkasali Soppu and Kempu Soppu.

Farmers from H.D. Kote, a women's group from Kanakapura, and local residents will participate, offering traditional meals, indigenous rice varieties, millets, pulses, organic products, native vegetable seeds, and fruit saplings. A special program titled 'Ajjiya Madilu, Soppina Kadalu' will introduce visitors to the edible greens and their traditional uses, with sessions led by experts like G.L.

Muralidhar Gungaramale and Srivatsa of Chiguru Eco Space. Additionally, a drawing competition for children aged 5 to 12 years will be held on Sunday to promote awareness of greens and traditional food diversity. The fair will be inaugurated by K.N. Roopashree and released by Mr. Muralidhar Gungaramale, with Mr. Neelamma Kemmannavar serving as a chief guest.