The University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences (UAHS), Shivamogga, is organising a four-day Krishi Mela on its premises here from October 3.
Seminars on the problems faced by agricultural sector, including drought and spate of suicides of farmers owing to financial distress, would be held. More than four lakh farmers from Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Davanagere and Chitradurga districts coming under the purview of UAHS, Shivamogga, are expected to visit the mela.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the event on October 3.
Technical sessions focussing on providing vocational training for rural youth to prevent their exodus to urban centres, usage of solar energy in agricultural activities, importance of roof-top gardening, interaction with farmers, who were once in financial distress but achieved success by adopting scientific agricultural practices, would be held.
C. Vasudevappa, Vice-Chancellor of UAHS, Shivamogga, told presspersons here recently that the event would serve as a platform for highlighting the importance of multi-cropping and integrated farming, which would enhance the income of farmers. To highlight the importance of multi-cropping, the university had developed a demonstration plot on a 2.5-acre plot by cultivating 144 varieties of crops on it. Ffarmers would be motivated to adopt integrated approach towards agriculture by undertaking cattle rearing, poultry farming and pisciculture. Diverse breeds of livestock would be on demonstration at the event, he said. For the first time, Matsya Mela, an exhibition on pisciculture, would be held as part of the event. The information on pisciculture and rearing of ornamental fish would be provided. Visitors could also relish the dishes prepared with fish, he said.
In all, 500 stalls would be set up for the mela. Representatives of premier institutions in agriculture research and extension, including Indian Institute of Agricultural Research, Directorate of Cashew and Cocoa Development would participate, he said.
