Mysuru: Dr. Khadar Advocates Organic Farming for Health on Environment Day

Mysuru, June 03: The environment must be protected for good health, and farmers must never become slaves to corporate companies — this was the strong message delivered by Dr. Khadar, a leading expert in millet awareness, at an Environment Day event in the city. Speaking at the inauguration of an Environment and Health Awareness Program organised under the banner of the State Farmers' Organisations Federation and the State Sugarcane Growers' Association, Dr. Khadar said that the very way farmers grow food today is giving rise to disease.

"The farmer is the true doctor," he declared. "A disease-free nation can only come from farmers, not physicians." He urged farmers to practise organic farming and grow millets, leafy greens, and vegetables, asserting that consuming such food will certainly free people from illness. He also offered a simple tip — millets should be soaked in water for about 8 hours before cooking and eating. He emphasised that fibre, water, and proper food are the three pillars of a disease-free life, and that changing one's diet is the most powerful step toward better health.

Drawing a sharp contrast with the past, Dr. Khadar noted that 30 years ago, diabetes was rare — found in perhaps one household in a village. Today, every home has someone suffering from diabetes, blood pressure, or other lifestyle diseases. He urged farmers not to ruin their health chasing money through harmful farming practices, only to end up spending it all on doctors. The event was chaired by District President P. Somashekhar. Shalini Srinivas of Sathya Sai Seva Trust Hospital and Gajanan Hegde of Nayana Kumar Hospital also addressed the gathering. Baradanapura Nagaraj, Hattalli Devaraj, Vara Kooda Nagesh and others were present on the occasion.