Karnataka- Krishi Mela Brings Success with Over 10.65 Lakh Visitors & Thriving Agriculture Agenda

The University of Agricultural Sciences in Dharwad celebrated the successful conclusion of Krishi Mela 2023, a yearly agricultural mela that drew an impressive crowd of over 10.65 lakh visitors in four consecutive days.

The event witnessed farmers purchasing a substantial 825 quintals of various seeds, indicating their enthusiasm for upcoming rabi cultivation. Agriculture enthusiasts, stakeholders, and farmers from across North Karnataka and distant states like Goa, Punjab, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh flocked to the event, making every day a grand success.

The final day of Krishi Mela featured a seminar titled "Progress in Growth of Oilseed Crops-Farmer Development." H.L. Nadaf, the former Director of Research at UAS, delivered a special talk highlighting the nutritional importance of oilseeds like groundnut, soybean, linseed, and niger, which are essential for maintaining human health and nutrient absorption.

Nadaf stressed the necessity for increased seed production and the adoption of advanced technologies to achieve self-sufficiency in oilseed production, a crucial goal for India's nutritional security.

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Kiran Kumar M., Joint Director of the Agriculture Department, underlined the significance of boosting oilseed production. He acknowledged that India is currently the leading oil importer and emphasized the implementation of programs and schemes like NMOOP (National Oilseeds and Palm Oil Commission) to reverse this trend. He also highlighted the government's 50% subsidy on soil fertility maintenance as a vital support for farmers.

During the seminar's conclusion, Vice-Chancellor P.L. Patil emphasized the importance of vegetable oil and oilseeds in the diet for vitamin absorption. He proudly mentioned the release of new high-yielding groundnut, soybean, linseed, and niger varieties by UAS Dharwad, ideal for North Karnataka. Patil urged farmers to adopt these innovations and technologies to increase oilseed production.

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The event's closing ceremony saw the reward of winners in various competitions, including millet-based dish preparation and best stalls, showcasing the talents and creativity of participants.

Over the concluding ceremony, Sri Adrishya Kada Siddeshwar Swami of Sri Kshetra Siddagiri Maha Sansthan, Kanheri, shed light on the need for more farm science graduates to engage in agriculture. He also emphasized on preventing exploitation by having a strong seed concept among farmers.

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