Systems to recharge groundwaters, hi-tech horticulture, rainwater harvesting, agri-clinics, animal husbandry, and fisheries and watershed management solutions were the highlights at the Krishi Mela 2012 held at Dharwad between September 22 and 25, 2012.
The event focussed on the novel technologies available and accessibile to increase the yield. Displays of seeds, fertilisers, and farm mechanisation were also prominent.
The four-day event was held by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (UAS-D), in collaboration with Karnataka agriculture and horticulture department. The sprawling UAS-D campus had 450 stalls exhibiting farm equipment among other related concepts. The mela was inaugurated by Karnataka chief minister Jagadish Shettar and the seed mela was opened by Canada university chancellor Bernard.
During the mela, the university’s agriculture department planned to sell more than 1.5 lakh quintal of various seeds for rabi sowing.
The mela with the theme 'agricultural technology for drought management' focussed on educating farmers on alternative cropping system and water and land management in the wake of severe drought in major parts of the state.
According to Prof. R R Hanchinal, VC, UAS-D, there were around 10 lakh farmers, farm women, extension personnel and members of self-help groups at the event. Further, there were several demonstrations on integrated farming system for sustainable livelihood with the objective to empower farm households, and dryland technologies for enhancement of agricultural productivity.
A panel of agricultural scientists, researchers and progressive farmers discussed at length on new technologies available in the market to undertake hassle-free cultivation.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Hanchinal, said, “This year Karnataka is experiencing serious drought in many districts and farmers are put to considerable hardship. The UAS-Dharwad has been engaged in technologies for drought mitigation and is developing varieties of drought-tolerant crops. Our dryland agriculture centre at Bijapur is the precursor in the development of technologies for drought management.”
The event consisted of a consultancy cell on agro-forestry, bio-fuel crops and wasteland management, integrated pest management, pesticide and bio-pesticides.
“There are several efforts being made to enlighten the farmers to move away from traditional aspects of farming opt for farm mechanisation which in no way would deter employment generation. In fact mechanisation would only increase the need for more employable labour force,” said Dr L Krishna Naik, director, extension of agriculture projects, UAS-D, and chairman, Krishi Mela 2012.
