‘Soppu’ Mela’ begins in Mysuru with a call to revive culinary heritage of leafy greens

A two-day ‘Soppu’ Mela — an exhibition and promotion of leafy green vegetables — began in Mysuru on Saturday with a call to revive the culinary heritage associated with them.

The event, being held at the Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry, has been organised jointly by Sahaja Samrudha, Hulikadu Farmers Producer Company, and ICAR–JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Suttur.

R. Santosh Nayak, Director, Directorate of Outreach, Karnataka State Open University, inaugurated the mela and said that in the present times, vegetables are cultivated to meet the market requirements. But in the process, there is an erosion of knowledge of leafy greens cultivated alongside and the culture surrounding it, especially in the urban areas, he added.

“For thousands of years, leafy dishes that complemented local diets not only filled the plate, but also safeguarded our mental health. Let us make efforts to bring back the culture of the greens,” said Mr. Nayak.

He said that rural women were ambassadors of leafy greens as their knowledge about edible greens was immense, and it should not only be harnessed, but also passed on to posterity.

G. Janardhan, Dean of the College of Horticulture, underlined the nutritional aspect of leafy greens and said they play a vital role in providing micronutrients which essential for the body, help improve eyesight, control high blood pressure, and boost immunity.

B.N. Gnanesh, Head of ICAR–JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Suttur, pointed out that extensive use of chemical pesticides and herbicides has wiped out leafy greens, and said that farmers should be more cautious and consumers should encourage those producing poison-free food.

G. Krishna Prasad, Director of Sahaja Samrudha - Organic Farmers Collective, said that though the world of greens is vast, only a handful of varieties were known. “Hundreds of naturally growing leafy greens, otherwise dismissed as mere weeds, are rich in medicinal properties. This fair has been organised to raise awareness about such neglected greens,” he added.

Muraleedhar Gungurmale of Tiptur, who is popularising greens across the State through his campaign ‘Ajjiya Madilu Soppina Kadalu’, explained the nutritional and medicinal value of leafy greens.

Over the two days, farmers from Kundagol, Heggadadevanakote, Kanakapura, and Gokarna, apart from tribals from Nagarahole and women’s groups from Shiggaon, are showcasing more than 150 varieties of greens and medicinal plants. Besides, seeds, value-added products, organic produce, and fruit saplings are also available on display.

On Sunday, a greens cooking competition will be held and participants can prepare leafy-green based dishes at home, and bring them to the venue by 12:30 p.m. For children aged five to 12, a drawing competition called ‘Na Kandante Soppu’ (Greens as I See Them) will be held at 11 a.m., according to the organisers.