Rains to boost Krishi Mela

Bountiful rains received this monsoon and the resultant boom in agricultural production is expected to make this year's 'Krishi Mela' scheduled for September a grand affair. The University of Agricultural Sciences in Dharwad will play host to the Krishi Mela-2005.

Director of extension B S Nadagoudar said that the mela would be held from September 29 to October 2. The Krishi Mela, which is an annual feature, had been a dull affair over the past four years due to successive droughts. This year the situation is different. While some areas have received sufficient rains, excessive rains have adversely hit some.

The UAS plans to guide the farmers on how to handle such a ticklish situation and save the crops. They will be enlightened about the green house farming, shade house farming and polythene mulching and other techniques. National Agricultural Machinery Exhibition will be the added attraction.

Manufacturers and dealers of farm machinery from different parts of the country will exhibit their products at the mela. Field visit, horticulture and flower show, animal show, exhibition on nutrition and information regarding underground water conservation will be the special feature.

The farm scientists will interact with the farmers and answer their queries at the special sessions organised during the Krishi Mela. Nadagoudar said over 1.5 lakh farmers were expected to visit the Krishi Mela. Those desiring to exhibit their products at the mela can avail the stalls erected at the UAS premises.