Four-day Krishi Mela to be held at UAS-Dharwad from September 25 to 28

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UAS-D Vice-Chancellor N.B. Prakash addressing a press conference in Dharwad on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The University of Agricultural Sciences-Dharwad (UAS-D) will organise a four-day Krishi Mela from September 25 to 28, with this year’s event focusing on women farmers and sustainable agriculture.

Themed ‘Empowered Woman – Sustainable Agriculture’, the agricultural fair will be held on the university campus.

Addressing a press conference in Dharwad on Tuesday, UAS-D Vice-Chancellor N.B. Prakash said that the event was being organised in the context of the declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.

The farm fair would focus on issues confronting farmers, including crop production, pest management, water conservation, and adoption of new agricultural technologies. Prof. Prakash said that the university was expecting around 20 lakh visitors, including farmers, farm women, rural youth, scientists, extension workers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and representatives of agri-industries.

“All 594 exhibition stalls have been booked. These include 168 hi-tech stalls, 293 economy stalls, 75 farm machinery stalls, 28 tractor and heavy machinery stalls, and 30 food stalls showcasing agricultural products and rural cuisine”, he said.

The fair would feature a Seed Mela, demonstrations on natural and organic farming, sustainable production of foodgrains, pulses and oilseeds, and technologies relating to integrated crop, nutrient, and pest management. Farmers would also be provided with information on rabi crop technologies, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, hi-tech horticulture, and the use of drones in agriculture.

Exhibitions by Farmer Producer Organisations, displays of farmer innovations and interactions with agri-start-ups and scientists would form part of the event. Other exhibits would focus on agro-forestry, livestock and fodder production, fruits and flowers, and insects. A pavilion titled ‘Amazing World of Insects’ would also be among the attractions.

Prof. Prakash said that a one-acre agri-start-up pavilion would showcase products and technologies developed by 12 start-ups. The products to be demonstrated include a borewell water-management system, a sprout weeder, real-time agricultural advisory services for grape growers, precision-spraying drones, a chickpea-nipping machine, and a hydroponic fodder-growing chamber, he said.

The university would also sell seeds developed by the UAS-D, and 3,948 quintals of seeds would be available for sale. The event would also feature displays of milch animals, poultry and ornamental fish, along with a dog show and demonstrations on beekeeping, he said.

Awards would be presented to women farmers, young farmers, and innovative cultivators during the fair. These include the district-level Shreshta Krishika, Krishi Mahile, Shreshta Yuva Krishika, and Yuva Krishi Mahile awards. The Dr. Channaveera Kanavi Kannada Krishi Lekhana Award would also be presented.

The Seed Mela, being organised as a prelude to the main agricultural fair, would be inaugurated on September 25 at 11 a.m.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is scheduled to inaugurate the main Krishi Mela on September 26 at 2.30 p.m.

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayaraddi, Agriculture Minister P.M. Narendraswamy and other Ministers are expected to attend the inaugural programme.

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