Farmers participate in Raitha Dasara

Agriculture Minister PM Narendraswamy riding a bullock cart as part of a procession organized during Raitha Dasara in Mysuru on Friday. | Photo credit: MA Sriram

Amid the distress of farmers across the state due to drought, Raitha Dasara began with the charm of the countryside as a bullock cart drove through the streets of Mysuru city on Friday.

Farmers from and around Mysuru district took part in the parade with oxen, tractors, crop cutter, paddy press, Dolla Kunitha, folk art, tribal art and other displays to show the strength of the agrarian sector. The procession started from Kote Anjaneya Swamy Temple premises and proceeded to JK Ground. Agriculture Minister PM Narendraswamy left the procession.

The three-day event themed International Year of the Woman Farmer began with a focus on technical discussion involving progressive farmers and scientists.

Hemalatha, an award-winning farmer from Malavalli, Mandya, shared her experience of becoming self-sufficient through agriculture. Farmer Krishengowda of Varuna Hobli spoke about his experience in integrated animal husbandry.

In the technical session, Sudha Sandeep, a farmer from Hunsur was scheduled to speak on women empowerment in agriculture, while Parbhuswamy, a farmer from Hosakote was scheduled to discuss integrated farming system and Sumanth Kumar, a scientist from the Organic Agriculture Research Center, will discuss the impact of El Nino, according to the organizers.

The Raitha Dasara sub-committee will felicitate 10 farmers for their contributions to integrated agriculture, horticulture, sericulture, fisheries and forestry. Ten farmers will also be honored during the event.

The three-day event was inaugurated by district in-charge minister Yathindra Siddharamaiah and was followed by cultural performances featuring rural talents. Known for mimicking the sounds of several birds, Devajana Geetha enthralled the audience while the Neralu Women troupe presented Dolla Kunita.

As part of Raitha Dasara, a national cow milking competition will be held on Saturday at 5:30 a.m. A dog/pet show will be held on Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

As part of Raitha Dasara, a fisheries exhibition was held with modern technologies in aquaculture including Biofloc and Recirculator Aquaculture System (RAS) besides Cage Culture fish farm. The Expo showcases a range of ornamental/aquarium fish including Malawi cichlids, Giant Gowrami, Mashes, Salvin and Oscar fish.

Fish implements and crafts, fish by-products and information on various fishing schemes are also on display.

Published – 16 Oct 2026 20:09 IST