Good samaritan: He once served government, now he's at farmers' service

Two years ago, when SV Hittalmani retired as additional director (fruits) in the state department of horticulture, he rejected the government’s offer to retain him as a consultant.

“I was a captive there for 38 long years," he laughed. “Had I gone back, I would have limited myself to the department’s service. But I wanted to reach out and benefit more people." Since then, the 62 year-old has travelled the length and breadth of Karnataka providing free consultation and guidance to impoverished farmers, nature conservation associations, home-makers and corporate executives.

Be it helping farmers implement the right cultivation and preservation techniques or assisting urban residents with planting, beautification and landscaping, Hittalmani keeps updating his knowledge of the latest technology and methods.



“I specialise in fruits and post-harvest technologies, but continue to acquire encompassing knowledge about contemporary society horticulture so that I never turn down anyone who needs help." His reason for the free services is straight-forward.

“When I was in the department, the government gave me good salary. Now I receive pension. So why should I charge others?" His inspiration comes from the terrace garden at his RT Nagar home, where he grows jackfruit, mango, lime, orange, carambola and ground orchids.

“(Hittalmani) never asks anyone to come to him. Rather, he travels to wherever you are by public transport, does not charge for the commute and consultancy and refuses even coffee or tea,” said L Vasudeva Murthy, who is consulting Hittalmani for his 2.5-acre property near Kanakapura Road.

“According to Hittalmani, one cannot put a price on opinions and solutions. This kind of passion is noteworthy,” said Murthy, executive council member at Visvesvaraya Technological University.

Hittalamani also actively participates in several nature and water body conservation initiatives in the city. He believes there is an increasing awareness about nature and conservation among people who grow their own fruits and vegetables in an organic manner, and that he has to be a part of the movement.

“Such awareness will take shape and acquire strength only when we treat it as a movement,“ he said. “We have to dedicate time and streamline our efforts, else it will remain unorganised.“