Krishi Mela, a four-day annual expo of agricultural technologies organised by University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur (UAS-R), was flagged off by Somanath Shivacharya Swamy of Navalkal and Varadaneshwara Swamy of Golaplli at the university here on Friday. The central theme of the current edition of the fest was focused on land-water, grain and life.”
Addressing at the event, Somanath Swamy called upon university authorities to not just encourage farmers to cultivate commercial crops alone, but also teach and encourage them to grow foodgrains and adopt organic farming. “Agriculture is increasingly becoming a burden for farmers as they are following unscientific farming methods. Scientists’ efforts to make agriculture a profitable job needs to reach farmers in fields,” he said. UAS-R Vice-Chancellor P.M. Salimath, Amaresh Ballidav, Siddappa Bhandari, Anathachar, S.K. Meti, Promod Katti, Shankargowda, Jagruti and other agricultural scientists and faculty members were present. The number of stalls spreading awareness on the health benefits of minor millet consumption was relatively more this year. Farmers and other enthusiasts were also found increasingly visiting the minor millet shops on the first day.
In an attempt to break the myth that the minor millets could be used for preparing a few dishes, a wide range of eatables made with minor millets were on display. Experts in these stalls convinced people to grow and eat minor millets for a healthier life.
In other stalls, newer agricultural technologies – crop varieties, farming methods, equipments and machinery – were on display.
Flower show
Artistic creations made of a variety of flowers are other attractions at Krishi Mela.
The Historic Sath Kacheri (Raichur district administrative complex) recreated with different kinds of flowers, the Bahubali statue made of foxtail millet, a gigantic elephant made of marigold flowers and other models are attracting visitors.
Artist Harish from Shivamogga created the Sath Kacheri building with as many as 3,000 roses of different colours and green grass for the Department of Agriculture.
