During his illustrious career, Shantaveeriah has had the privilege of meeting many remarkable individuals who share his passion for agriculture and beekeeping. One such memorable encounter took place at the farm of Dr. Desai in Shiggavi, near Haveri. Invited to visit the farm, Shantaveeriah found himself in the esteemed company of Dr. Kasturirangan, a great Aerospace Scientist known for his contributions to space research in India. The opportunity to spend two valuable hours in discussion with such a distinguished figure was an experience that Shantaveeriah cherishes deeply.

Their conversation was intellectually enriching, covering a range of topics related to agriculture and sustainability. They discussed the concept of optimum holdings in farming—an approach that seeks to maximize agricultural output while maintaining ecological balance and sustainability. This topic is particularly close to Shantaveeriah’s heart, as he has long advocated for farming practices that are both productive and environmentally responsible.

The discussion also touched on crucifers, a family of vegetables that includes crops like cabbage, mustard, and broccoli. Crucifers are known for their nutritional value and resilience, making them an important component of sustainable farming. Shantaveeriah and Dr. Kasturirangan explored the potential of these crops in enhancing agricultural yields, particularly in regions like Karnataka where diverse farming practices are crucial for food security.

While exploring the farm, Shantaveeriah discovered an abandoned, dark room that housed a wild bee hive. Demonstrating his expertise and commitment to preserving bee colonies, he carefully hived the bees into a bee box and brought them back for rearing. This experience not only added to the rich tapestry of his beekeeping adventures but also underscored the importance of rescuing and relocating bees to ensure their survival and contribution to agriculture.

The visit to Dr. Desai’s farm, coupled with the insightful discussions with Dr. Kasturirangan, left a lasting impression on Shantaveeriah. It reinforced his belief in the interconnectedness of science, agriculture, and beekeeping, and how collaboration between different fields can lead to innovative solutions for sustainable farming.