Speaker GS Patil at Krishi Mela in Dharwad
A towering 12-foot sugarcane variety, capable of yielding around 80 tonnes per acre under scientific cultivation, has particularly fascinated visitors. Dharwad : More than three lakh visitors thronged the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad, as its four-day Krishi Mela turned the sprawling campus into a vibrant showcase of traditional farming, cutting-edge technology, crop research and rural entrepreneurship. Among the major attractions is the livestock exhibition featuring indigenous and improved breeds of cattle, sheep, goats and poultry. Scientists and veterinarians are guiding farmers on breeding, scientific management and improving productivity and income. With north Karnataka facing deficient rainfall, water conservation is a key theme. Demonstrations of drip and micro-irrigation systems are drawing farmers keen to learn about efficient water management, installation and govt subsidies. Crop research is another highlight, with agricultural universities showcasing drought-tolerant and high-yielding varieties suited to Kittur Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka. With farmers interacting directly with scientists, innovators and financial institutions, the mela has emerged as a platform linking agricultural research and technology with markets and rural livelihoods.