Stage set for Krishi Mela: UAS campus wears a festive look

Pic: Road to the four-day Krishi Mela venue at UAS Dharwad has been decoratedDharwad: The University of Agricultural Sciences in Dharwad, the venue of Krishi Mela-2025 wears a festive look as large number of farmers, students, scientists and traders among others are thronging the campus. This is the 35th edition of the Krishi Mela.The four-day mega event with the theme ‘Soil Health and Traditional Varieties for Nutritional Food Security' will begin on Saturday. Various companies manufacturing/selling modern farm machinery and equipments have set up stalls at the Mela venue. There are 562 stalls of which 152 are hi-tech. Arrangements have been made to disseminate comprehensive information about research, extension and teaching activities undertaken in the campuses of the University.Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot will inaugurate the seed mela and fruit-flower show at Farmers' Knowledge Centre on Sept 14 (Sunday) while chief minister Siddaramaiah will visit the Krishi Mela on Sept 15 at 11.30am. Union minister Pralhad Joshi, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, chairman of Legislative Council Basavaraj Horatti, labour minister Santosh Lad and MLC Saleem Ahmed will be special guests.UAS Dharwad vice-chancellor Prof PL Patil said the technologies released/ to be released by the University will be showcased to create awareness among the farmers through field trials and various demonstrations. Overall, the main objective of the mela is to provide comprehensive information on all agricultural technologies to a large number of farmers through four days agricultural mela at one place, he said. VC Patil said a platform for interaction with progressive farmers and farm women, successful farmers even during excess or deficit rainfall years, farm advisory services by experts will also be arranged. Hi-tech stalls, field demonstrations, general stalls, farm machinery stalls, food stalls, livestock exhibit have been arranged. The 2024, Krishi Mela had recorded more than 20 lakh footfalls and this year it is expected to increase, he added.Main attractionsSeed Mela, soil and water conservation technologies, eco-friendly, natural and organic farming for sustainability, role of traditional varieties and soil health in nutritional food security, farm advisory services by experts and agri startups, integrated crop, nutrient, pest and disease management, Rabi crop production technologies, rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, hi-tech horticulture, fruits and flowers show, world of fascinating insects, use of improved farm equipment and Kisan Drone, farmers' innovations, interaction with progressive farmers and farm women, agro-forestry, animal husbandry, exhibition of breeds and fodder crops technologies, and community science technologies for empowerment of women will be the main attractions of the Krishi Mela-2025.Presentation of the Dr Chennaveera Kanavi Award for best article in Kannada on agriculture, Krishi Goshti, organisation of different competitions for women and children through Krishi Vigyan Kendras will be the special features at the mela.