Krishi Mela 14-17 Nov: Spotlight on 'Climate-Smart Digital Farming'

Krishi Mela Will be hold from 14 to 17 November to spotlight advanced sustainable farming practices

The University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) will hold its annual Krishi Mela from November 14 to 17 at Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra (GKVK) to spotlight advanced sustainable farming practices. The event will held this year, organized in collaboration with major Karnataka government departments, and is themed ‘Climate Smart Digital Agriculture.’ The mela will highlight four newly developed crop varieties and feature live demonstrations and expert sessions to promote climate-resilient farming techniques.

New High-Yield and Disease-Resistant Crop Varieties Unveiled

UAS Vice Chancellor Suresh SV said that the university will introduce many improved crop varieties, and each of them is targeted to improve productivity and resilience in different farming zones across Karnataka. These include the high-yield maize hybrid MAH-15-84, which offers a 14.2% higher yield than previous hybrids. Another is the disease-resistant alasande variety KBC-12. 

Additionally, the sunflower crossbreed KBSH-90 provides a 26% higher oil yield, and the Bajra Napier hybrid PBN-342 is designed for improved green fodder yield and quality. Each variety is tailored for effective cultivation across Karnataka’s zones 5 and 6.

700 Stalls and Demonstrations on Modern Farming Practices

The four-day event will showcase 700 stalls covering a wide range of innovations, including organic farming, soilless agriculture, advanced irrigation, and integrated pest management. Special exhibitions will focus on horticulture, precision farming, medicinal plants, and watershed management, providing farmers with hands-on demonstrations of sustainable practices.

Farmer Recognition Across Multiple Categories

The mela will also honor outstanding farmers in various categories, recognizing top performers at district and taluk levels. A special category will be created for young farmers under 35. In total, 146 farmers will be acknowledged for their achievements.

Inclusivity Program for Differently-Abled Individuals

In a special effort to ensure inclusivity, UAS has organized an event specifically for individuals with special needs titled ‘A Day with Special Minds in an Agricultural Environment.’ This program will take place today, starting at 9 a.m., at the UAS campus. The inauguration of this event has been done by Agriculture Minister N. Chaluvarayaswamy. It will be conducted with guided tours, cultural performances, and agricultural-themed quizzes so that the differently-abled person can also enjoy the entire fair.