The University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, will hold a mega Udyana mela (Garden fair) from December 12 to 15 in Bagalkot.
The four-day event will be held with "Mechanisation for prosperity" as the central theme. A cattle as well as apiculture and wine fair will also be held at the event. According to A.B. Patil, Extension Director of the university, about four lakh people are expected to participate in the fair.
The fair is being organised in association with the National Horticultural Board, National Horticultural Mission, Karnataka Farmers’ Resource Centre, Karnataka Pradesh Krishik Samaj and Indian Council for Agricultural Research in order to provide useful guidance to the farmers engaged in the sector.
Farmers, scientists, students, distributors of agricultural appliances, industrialists as well as self help group functionaries from 23 districts under the jurisdiction of the varsity will take part in the event, Mr. Patil told reporters at the varsity affiliated College of Horticulture here.
Helpful for old Mysore region farmers
He said the mela would be useful particularly to those from old Mysore region who have of late started growing horticultural crops such as pomegranate and grapes. "They can get vital information and guidance from the experienced farmers of North Karnataka region", he said.
About 450 stalls at the fair are expected to make Rs. two crore business, he said. Exhibitions of implements and appliances used in horticulture, post harvesting technology, value addition products are part of the fair among others.
Best horticulture farmer and best woman horticulture farmer awards for each district will be given besides awards for best technological and engineering innovations in the field.
The Deputy Directors of Department of Horticulture in respective districts have been asked to arrange for the transportation of the horticulture farmers to the fair utilizing available grants.
P.K. Singh, Joint Director, National Horticultural Board, said the Board has sanctioned a grant of Rs. 50 lakh for the University.
