The four-day Krishi Mela will be held at UAS-Dharwad from September 25 to 28

The University of Agricultural Sciences-Dharwad (UAS-D) will organize a four-day Krishi Mela from September 25 to 28, with this year’s focus on women farmers and sustainable agriculture.

An agricultural fair on the theme ‘Empowered Woman – Sustainable Agriculture’ will be held at the university campus.

UAS-D Vice-Chancellor NB Prakash told a press conference in Dharwad on Tuesday that the event is being organized in connection with the declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.

The farmers’ fair would focus on issues faced by farmers, including crop production, pest control, water conservation and adoption of new agricultural technologies. Prof. Prakash said the university is expecting around 20 lakh visitors, including farmers, ranchers, rural youth, scientists, extension workers, politicians, businessmen and representatives of agricultural industries.

“All 594 exhibition stalls have been booked. These include 168 hi-tech stalls, 293 economy stalls, 75 farm machinery stalls, 28 tractor and heavy machinery stalls and 30 refreshment stalls featuring agricultural products and country cuisine,” he said.

Focus on farming technology

The fair will include a Seed Mela, demonstrations of natural and organic farming, sustainable production of food grains, pulses and oilseeds and technologies related to integrated crop, nutrient and pest management. Farmers would also be given information on rabi cultivation technologies, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, hi-tech horticulture and use of drones in agriculture.

The event will include exhibitions by farmer producer organizations, demonstrations of farmer innovations and interactions with agricultural start-ups and scientists. Other exhibitions would focus on agroforestry, animal and fodder production, fruit and flowers and insects. The attractions will also include a pavilion called ‘The Amazing World of Insects’.

Agro-start-up pavilion

Prof. Prakash said the one-acre agri start-up pavilion will showcase products and technologies developed by 12 start-ups. Among the products to be showcased are a borehole water management system, a weeder, real-time agricultural advisory services for grape growers, precision spraying drones, a chickpea cropping machine and a hydroponic chamber for growing fodder, he said.

The university would also sell the seeds developed by UAS-D and 3,948 cents worth of seeds would be available for sale. The event will also include displays of dairy animals, poultry and ornamental fish, along with a dog show and beekeeping demonstrations, he said.

Awards for farmers

During the fair, awards will be presented to farmers, young farmers and innovative growers. These include the district level Shreshta Krishika, Krishi Mahile, Shreshta Yuva Krishika and Yuva Krishi Mahile awards. There will also be an award for Dr. Channaveera Kanavi Kannada Krishi Lekhana.

Inauguration

Organized as a prelude to the main agricultural fair, the Seed Mela will be inaugurated on September 25 at 11 am.

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is scheduled to inaugurate the main Krishi Mela on September 26 at 2.30 pm.

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayaraddi, Agriculture Minister PM Narendraswamy and other ministers are expected to attend the inaugural programme.

Published – 22 Sep 2026 21:05 IST