Dharwad
Krishi Mela-2025 will be held at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (UAS-D) from September 13 to 16, under the theme “Soil Health and Traditional Varieties for Nutritional Food Security.” UAS Vice-Chancellor Prof. P.L. Patil stated that Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot will inaugurate the Seed Mela and Fruit-Flower Show at the Farmers’ Knowledge Centre on September 14, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will formally inaugurate Krishi Mela on September 15. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, Labour Minister Santosh Lad, and MLC Saleem Ahmed will attend as special guests.
Prof. Patil said the mela will provide farmers with comprehensive information about research, extension, and teaching activities across UAS campuses. Technologies already released or soon to be released by UAS will be showcased through field trials and demonstrations to raise awareness. The objective is to offer farmers consolidated access to all agricultural technologies in one place.
Krishi Mela-2024 had over 20 lakh visitors, and this year, participation is expected to increase. The event will facilitate interaction with progressive farmers and farm women, showcase success stories from both surplus and deficit rainfall years, and provide farm advisory services by experts. Exhibits include hi-tech stalls, field demonstrations, general stalls, farm machinery, food stalls, and livestock displays. A total of 562 stalls have been arranged, including 152 hi-tech stalls. Prof. M.V. Manjunath, Chairman of the organising committee and Director of Extension, was present.
The Seed Mela, part of Krishi Mela, has gained prominence over the past decade. To ensure quality sowing seeds for rabi cultivation at subsidised rates, UAS has procured over 3,516 quintals of various seeds, Prof. Patil added.