UAS-D Krishi Mela concludes with record footfall of 25.66 lakh; 1,184.5 quintals of seeds sold

The four-day Krishi Mela concluded on Monday with a record footfall of 25.66 lakh visitors. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT The four-day Krishi Mela organised by the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad, concluded on Monday with a record footfall of 25.66 lakh visitors, including farmers and farm women. The university reported the sale of 1,184.5 quintals of rabi crop seeds worth ₹99.34 lakh during the event.The agricultural fair featured discussions on digital technologies, climate-resilient farming, crop diversification, and sustainable agriculture, as well as exhibitions and interactions with progressive farmers. Around 3.10 lakh farmers, extension personnel, and departmental officials participated on the final day.At an interactive session on Monday on ‘Digital Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture’, ICAR Additional Director-General (Education) Ajit Kumar Yadav urged agricultural universities to introduce skill-based curricula on emerging digital technologies to equip students with practical knowledge.Progressive farmer Dhareppa Siddapur of Mudhol explained how sensor-based irrigation systems had helped improve production, productivity, and income while strengthening climate resilience. Vinayak Hegde of Sirsi stressed the importance of digital skills and information on agricultural marketing intelligence, farm labour management, and expenditure records.During a session on climate change management, Assistant Director of Agriculture Channappa Angadi highlighted the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through judicious fertilizer use. Peripheral and compartment bunds could help conserve resources and minimise crop losses, he said.Retired UAS professor H.B. Babalad emphasised crop diversification, pulse-based intercropping, and cover crops to improve soil health, reduce pest and disease incidence, and contribute to nutritional security.M. Prabhakar, Director of ICAR-ATARI, Zone 11, said ICAR was using artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyse temperature, rainfall, crop, and weather data for developing contingency plans and agricultural advisories.UAS-D Vice-Chancellor N.B. Prakash said digital technologies were relevant throughout the agricultural cycle, from sowing to harvesting and processing. He commended 14 university-funded startups for showcasing technologies to farmers.Farmers felicitatedFourteen innovative farmers and farm women from seven districts were honoured on the final day.The awardees were Sudheer Katti and Suresh Basavaprabhu Desai (Belagavi); Prema Kunnur and Praveen Kallimani (Haveri); Eranna Chinnappa Shiranahalli and Mallaiah Gurubasappanamat (Gadag); Prabhugowda Sahebagauda Gowdaraddi and Dileep Kumar Maurya (Vijayapura); Srikanth Parasappa Kumbar and Paragowda Shegunashi (Bagalkot); Jayashree Hegde and Mamata Bhat (Uttara Kannada); and Renukabai and Mahantesh Chikkamath (Dharwad).At the ‘From Farmers, For Farmers’ programme, Prabhugowda, Dileep Kumar Maurya, Srikanth Kumbar, Paramagowda Shaigunishi, Mamata Vinayak Bhat, Jayashree Vinayak Hegde, Prema Kambar and Praveen Kallimani shared their experiences and innovations.Chief guest Mahantesh Hatti, president of the Krishik Samaj, Bagalkot, described the fair as a matter of pride, noting that the university worked “by the farmers, for the farmers, and for the benefit of farmers.”At the concluding ceremony, Traffic and Civil Police personnel and sanitation committee member Chaitanya Sagal were felicitated. Prizes were distributed to winners of competitions organised for women and schoolchildren.During the four-day event, Hi-Tech Horticulture, Fascinating World of Insects, Livestock and Fruit and Flower exhibitions attracted a large number of visitors. Published - September 28, 2026 08:49 pm IST