UAS-B to introduce new drought and disease resistant maize, ragi and grain amaranth at Krishi Mela 2026

A file photo of the Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra (GKVK) campus in Yelahanka, Bengaluru. | Photo credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

Bengaluru University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS-B) will release three new crop varieties on the occasion of Krishi Mela to be held at GKVK campus on 13.

The three new crop varieties include maize MAH-20-45, ragi GPU-101 and grain amaranth KBGA-18. Mudalagiryappa, Director of Research, UAS-B, explained, “MAH-20-45 is a high-yielding maize hybrid that is tolerant to various diseases and can be grown in drought conditions without much intervention by farmers. Ragi GPU-101 is another variety that yields 18% more than the current varieties available in the market. It is also more resistant to Bragi diseases that occur in cereals.” Amaranth KBGA-18 is rich in protein which can be mixed with ragi before grinding. When mixed with ragi flour and consumed, it is beneficial for health.

He emphasized that all three varieties were developed by the university.

One day mela

Unlike the previous year when the Krishi Mela was held for three days, this year it will be held for one day due to the prevailing drought conditions across the state.

Prof. Mudalagiryappa said, “A workshop on drought management techniques will be held at 10 am and a field visit will be held at 2 pm for participants, especially farmers. The main objective of the program is to provide technical information on the impact of future El Niño preparedness, suitable crop varieties, complementary agricultural technologies for drought situations and soil and water conservation.”

Published – 05 Nov 2026 21:07 IST