“There is no greater development
of the nation than the farmer’s development.”
Social Worker | Farmers’ Leader | Philanthropist
State President,
Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha Raitha Sene
📍 Shorapur (Surpur), Yadgir
Justice for farmers, upliftment of communities is our goal
About Me
Born into a very poor family in a small village of Channapatna, I dedicated my life to serving the people under the guidance of my father, Bheemaraya Gowda, my brothers, and many close relatives and well-wishers.
I grew up working the land, and farming taught me early what hard labour, uncertain rains and unfair prices mean for a family. Years of hands-on experience in agriculture showed me the farmer’s struggles up close: crop losses, low prices and the burden of debt. I first stood up for farmers in my village, then in the taluk and the district, and step by step became part of the farmers’ movement. Today I serve as State President of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha Raitha Sene.
Read My Story →Our Priorities
Standing with farmers for fair prices, timely support and secure livelihoods, and raising their voice before the government until their problems are heard and solved. We also try to show, through example in our own fields, how new crops can raise their income.
Help and self-reliance for the weaker sections of society
Helping children from poor and rural families to study, and supporting health services and care, so that every village family has a chance at a better future.
Protecting the trees, water and soil that farmers depend on, and growing greenery in our villages so the next generation inherits a healthier land. We are also trying to grow mango, pomegranate, papaya, coconut and areca nut on dry land to turn barren ground green.
Buffaloes, cattle and dogs are part of our family. We care for them with love and speak up for the kindness and protection of all living beings.
Farming by Example
Much of the land around us is dry and barren, and farmers here have long depended on the same few crops. Fruit and plantation crops such as mango, pomegranate, papaya, coconut and areca nut are not commonly grown in this soil, and many farmers believe they simply will not grow here. I want to find out whether they can.
So I am trying it myself, on my own land, patiently and step by step: choosing the right crops, preparing the soil, using every drop of water carefully, and learning from every success and every setback. I am not doing this only for myself. I want to share what I learn openly with farmers in and around my village, so they can see it with their own eyes and decide for themselves.
If these crops can grow on dry land, they can give farmers a steadier income, reduce their dependence on a single crop and a single season, and bring green back to barren fields. My hope is that one farmer’s example becomes the confidence for many others to try.
Questions & Answers
Shantgouda is a farmers' leader, social worker and philanthropist from Shorapur (Surpur), Yadgir district, Karnataka. He is the State President of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha Raitha Sene.
Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha Raitha Sene is a farmers' organisation that stands with the farmers of Karnataka. It brings farmers from villages, taluks and districts together so that their problems reach the government and their rights are protected.
He is based in Shorapur (also spelled Surpur) in Yadgir district, Karnataka, India, and works for farmers across the state.
His work focuses on farmers' rights and development, support for the poor, education and health, protecting nature and caring for animals. He also grows fruit and plantation crops such as mango, pomegranate, papaya, coconut and areca nut on dry land, to set an example for farmers.
You can write to boss@shantagouda.com.
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With farmers, villagers, seers and well-wishers.
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