UAS-Dharwad to host four-day Krishi Mela from September 25, spotlight on women farmers
UAS-Dharwad will hold a four-day Krishi Mela from September 25 to 28, themed around women farmers and sustainable agriculture, with all 594 stalls booked.
The University of Agricultural Sciences-Dharwad (UAS-D) will hold its four-day Krishi Mela from September 25 to 28 on its campus, with this edition centred on women farmers and sustainable agriculture under the theme 'Empowered Woman – Sustainable Agriculture'.
Addressing a press conference in Dharwad on Tuesday, Vice-Chancellor N.B. Prakash said the event is being organised in view of the declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
The fair will address a range of issues before farmers, including crop production, pest management, water conservation and the adoption of new agricultural technologies. The university expects around 20 lakh visitors, among them farmers, farm women, rural youth, scientists, extension workers, policymakers, entrepreneurs and representatives of agri-industries.
All 594 exhibition stalls have been booked, Prof. Prakash said. These comprise 168 hi-tech stalls, 293 economy stalls, 75 farm machinery stalls, 28 tractor and heavy machinery stalls, and 30 food stalls showcasing agricultural products and rural cuisine.
Technologies and demonstrations
The programme includes a Seed Mela, demonstrations on natural and organic farming, sustainable production of foodgrains, pulses and oilseeds, and technologies for integrated crop, nutrient and pest management. Farmers will also receive information on rabi crop technologies, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, hi-tech horticulture and the use of drones in agriculture.
Exhibitions by Farmer Producer Organisations, displays of farmer innovations, and interactions with agri-start-ups and scientists will form part of the event. Other exhibits will cover agro-forestry, livestock and fodder production, fruits and flowers, and insects, with a pavilion titled 'Amazing World of Insects' among the attractions.
A one-acre agri-start-up pavilion will showcase products and technologies developed by 12 start-ups. These include a borewell water-management system, a sprout weeder, real-time agricultural advisory services for grape growers, precision-spraying drones, a chickpea-nipping machine and a hydroponic fodder-growing chamber.
The university will also sell seeds it has developed, with 3,948 quintals available for sale. Displays of milch animals, poultry and ornamental fish, a dog show and demonstrations on beekeeping are also planned.
Awards and inauguration
Awards will be presented during the fair to women farmers, young farmers and innovative cultivators. These include the district-level Shreshta Krishika, Krishi Mahile, Shreshta Yuva Krishika and Yuva Krishi Mahile awards, as well as the Dr. Channaveera Kanavi Kannada Krishi Lekhana Award.
The Seed Mela, organised as a prelude to the main fair, will be inaugurated on September 25 at 11 a.m. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is scheduled to inaugurate the main Krishi Mela on September 26 at 2.30 p.m.
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayaraddi, Agriculture Minister P.M. Narendraswamy and other Ministers are expected to attend the inaugural programme.