Krishi Mela 2010 starts Oct 2 in Dharwad

The University of Agricultural Sciences in Dharwad which is turning 25, will host the four-day Krishi Mela-2010 at the University campus here during October 2-5.

UAS V-C R R Hanchinaal told Business Standard, the varsity has declared this year as ‘Farmers’ Year’. A series of innovative events are being organised round the year to make the silver jubilee year.

The Krishi Mela-2010 aims to disseminate information on the recent developments in agriculture and allied fields to the farming community.

Agriculture minister Umesh Katti will inaugurate the mela. Hanchinal said the District Krishi Utsav will be held for the first time along with Krishi Mela. Nearly, 600,000 farmers are set to participate, he added.

Seminars, workshops and live demonstrations on dry land technologies for enhancing agricultural productivity, models on rainwater harvesting, ground water recharging, water conservation practices and watershed development activities will be held during the mela.

Organic farming systems, integrated farming systems for sustainable agriculture, nutrient management, bio-fertiliser and soil health care, would be organised.

The mela will feature exhibition on farmers’ innovations, polyhouse cultivation technologies, agro-forestry, bio-fuel crops and improved livestock breeds.

Eminent scientists, researchers and progressive farmers would discuss at length with the farmers on the new technologies available in the market for taking up hassle-free cultivation, he added. Fruits and flower show, yoga training and soil and water analysis and exhibition of value added products of millets, dog and cattle show will be added attraction.

The sprawling UAS campus will have nearly 450 stalls which will showcase various farm equipments set up.

The V-C said the ‘Seed Mela’ held recently as part of the silver jubilee celebrations received a positive response from the farming community. It will be a regular feature twice a year, he asserted.

Raith Sampark kendra
Hanchinaal said, there are nearly 150 Raitha Sampark Kendra (RSK) coming under the jurisdiction of UAS (Dharwad) in seven districts of North Karnataka. Emphasis has been given to appoint 150 scientists in RSK and facilitate the farmers with appropriate information on crop pattern and agriculture operations.

Similarly, measure has been taken to disseminate information through SMS (short message service) to nearly 5,000 farmers on the seed availability, weather report and the market price of agriculture products.