‘Krishi Mela’ impresses farmers
Agri College may be opened soon, says MLA
The Zonal Agricultural Research Station in association with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Brahmavara, Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, Watershed Department, Animal Husbandry, Sericulture, Fisheries and Forestry, Udupi organised two day ''Krishi Mela'' here at the premises of Zonal Agricultural Research Station.
The two day Krishi Mela offered a unique opportunity to the farmers in and around the district by giving an insight into the latest agricultural technologies through demonstrations and discussions. Field visits are also part of the two day programme where seminars are conducted along with interactive sessions between scientists and farmers.
Talks on “cocoa and other plantation crops of the coastal zone”, “ cashew and mixed cropping system” and “paddy based integrated farming system and opportunities for mechanisation” were held on the occasion. The Mela displayed an exotic expo of the high yielding rice varieties and seed production. Demonstration on CO-4 fodder grass was also held.
The exhibition included demonstrations on preparation of Dapog nursery and ‘SRI’ method of paddy cultivation, demonstrations on multi-storied cropping system and nutrient management of coconut, cashew grafting and soil and water management in cashew gardens, demonstrations of organic manure compost, vermi compost and azolla cultivation.
The Mela comprised of dairy, poultry, goat, rabbit, fisheries and Emu rearing demo units.
There was preparation and demonstration of Bordeaux mixture, demonstration of value added food products and exhibition and sale of ornamental plants. Framers thronged into the mall where separate exhibition and demonstration of agricultural implements were held.
Agri college
Earlier inaugurating the Krishi Mela Udupi MLA Raghupathy Bhat informed that government has allotted Rs five crore for the Agricultural College in the premises of Zonal Brahmavara Research Station. There are some obstacles in the process of opening the College. However attempts are made to start the college by the next academic year.
He said these days owing to lack of technological involvement in the agricultural activities, the field has failed to attract youths who are migrating towards urban areas seeking jobs.
Novel and innovative technologies should be introduced into agriculture to attract the youth towards farming, he added. Model goat rearing unit was also inaugurated on the occasion.
