The much waited four-day annual agricultural fair ‘Krishi Mela’ conducted by University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad, on its campus began on Saturday and received an overwhelming response on the first day itself.
Apart from thousands of farmers, farm students, researchers and general public visited the ‘Krishi Mela’, which will have a formal inauguration on Monday by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot will formally inaugurate exhibitions on Sunday.
The stalls exhibiting various farm equipments and machinery, latest farm technologies, fertilisers and pesticides saw large number of people making enquiries. There was also rush for buying the seeds sold by the university.
A seminar on ‘Importance and Conservation of Traditional Varieties’ was held on the first day focusing on the significance of traditional crop varieties and sustainable farming systems.
Noted conservationist of over 260 indigenous rice varieties Shankar Langati shared insights from his three decades of experience in conserving traditional crops. He showcased some of his notable rice varieties including Burma Black, Kari Akkalisali, Antarasali, Nadusali, Basmati Kempakki, and Basmati Kappakki, along with several traditional pulse varieties. Gurulinga Swamy of Akki Mutt, Agadi inaugurated the seminar. Making introductory remarks Director of Research B.D. Biradar highlighted the adaptability of traditional varieties to climatic stresses such as drought and disease, emphasising their importance in maintaining the health of both humans and livestock.
