SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2007 Edition

 

 

 

SHIVARAM Pailoor and his wife Anitha, both from farming families, dedicate most of their time to farm journalism. Six years ago they started the Centre for Alternative Agriculture Media and a website to fulfill their dream. Every year CAAM gives awards for the best features on agriculture in two categories. The first is awarded to stories written by farmers and the second is for nonfarmers. CAAM propagates communication between farmers to spread knowledge and to safeguard their interests.

Four years ago, Shivaram and Anitha started a one-year diploma course in farm journalism. This correspondence course starts with a three-day contact programme where leading farm journalists take sessions with students. There are practical lessons and the students’writings are carefully evaluated. These students are now treading a new path in farm journalism. Experienced farmers and time-tested field experiences are their main source of information and not stale library write-ups by so- called agriculture experts.

CAAM has published two excellent handbooks on farm journalism that describe what to write, how to write and what not to write. It is also publishing regular newsletters to inspire and instill confidence among students. The Pailoor residence at Narayanapura, in Dharwad, Karnataka, is like a gurukul with a library. When in doubt, students stay here to glean knowledge from Anitha and Shivaram. CAAM gives students a lot of time and attention. Many notes and tips are given along with monthly assignments, information that students would not be able to get elsewhere. Today, farm editors of mainstream dailies contact CAAM students to commission stories.

The Pailoors are steadily, but methodically striving to change the quality and utility of farm journalism. Their success is now visible in printed columns, though in a small way.

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