D.D. Bharamagoudra, who practised and promoted organic farming in rain-fed areas, passed away in Bengaluru on Wednesday. The funeral took place at his native place in Gadag district on Thursday.

He was 77. A native of Yalavatti village in Shirahatti taluk of Gadag district, Bharamagoudra was a pioneer in initiating organic farming in rain-fed areas and also motivated many to follow him.

He was president of the Organic Farmers’ Association of India and a member of the Organic Farming Mission set up by the BJP government in the State. He was also honoured with ‘Karnataka Rajyotsava’ award and was known as a resource person on organic farming.

Apart from being a pioneer in growing cotton and chillis under organic farming in rain-fed areas, he had also worked towards preserving native varieties of seeds.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Hubballi – January 15th, 2016