'Krishimela -2018, the mega farm event, will be held from November 15 to18 in the campus of the University of Agricultural Sciences-Bengaluru (UAS-B).
UAS-B Vice-Chancellor Dr. S. Rajendra Prasad said that for the first time, live demonstration plots would be laid out for the four new varieties (ragi, sunflower, soyabean and Rice Bean) which will be released during the event.
The UAS has set up 650 stalls for agriculture exhibition, 150 stalls for agricultural engineering and 50 stalls for Animal Husbandry.
Mr. Prasad said, “During the event, experts will hold meetings with startups in the agricultural field. The discussion will be focused on how to reach out to the farmers with their innovations — which could be new agricultural machines or new agricultural practices. Demonstration on agriculture implements will be held for the benefit of small and marginal farmers.”
There will be sessions for beginners who want take up agriculture, and discussion on Israel agricultural technologies, which include drip irrigation, green house, plastic mulching and others. The officials and scientists who have visited Israel will share their experiences.
On Tuesday, the university launched a mobile app on Krishimela -2018 giving more insights about the event.
“The previous Krishimela had footfalls of 10 lakh. We are expecting 11 lakh visitors this time,”said Mr. Prasad.
Live demonstration will be done on use of drones for spraying pesticides. “Mechanised farming is getting more impetus these days. Attempts are being made to use drones to spray pesticides in some parts of the State, like Raichur. A demonstration will done on the same for the benefit of farmers.”
The UAS-B will present eight State-level awards and 10 district-level awards to innovative farmers, and awards will also be given to young farmers (60 for men and women) at the taluk level.
App to calculate fertiliser quantity
University of Agricultural Sciences-Bengaluru will launch a mobile app to help farmers calculate the quantum of fertilisers required for growing various types of crops, on November 18.
“To start with, we are introducing this app among farmers in Tumakuru district. We have already developed a data base of agricultural lands in the district. For example, if a farmer wants to grow paddy, he has to mention his land survey number in the app. He will get details of the required quantum of fertilisers to grow paddy. Once this initiative gets stabilised, the same will be replicated in other districts coming under the jurisdiction of the university,”said Vice-Chancellor Dr. S. Rajendra Prasad.