‘Over 60% students in agriculture varsities are girls’

“More than 55% of India’s population lives in villages and depend on agriculture to lead their life. The Agriculture University helps farmers with new technologies to increase productivity in the sector," said Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala.

Inaugurating the Krishi Mela 2018 at the Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra (GKVK) campus on Thursday, the Governor said: “More than 60% of students in agriculture universities are girls which shows that women are interested in the agricultural sector. This is a positive development.”

Vala also suggested the government to implement river grid similar to the electricity grid.

The Governor felicitated over 445 farmers from the state who are successful in implementing scientific and organic agricultural methods.

“The fair will have exclusive stalls that will provide suggestions and information to youths who want to start an agriculture-related business,” said S Rajendra Prasad, Vice Chancellor, UAS-B.

An exhibition, including agricultural engineering and animal husbandry, was the key attraction on day 1 of the three-day event organised by the University of Agriculture Sciences.

Farmers from Bengaluru rural, Ramanagara, Chamarajanagara, Mysuru, Mandya, Hassan, Kolar, Tumakuru and Chikkaballapur districts took part in the fair.

The state government plans to upgrade and give modern facilities to agriculture, horticulture and fisheries university.

An expert committee will be formed that will prepare a report on the upgradation process, Agriculture Minister N H Shivashankar Reddy told the media at the event.

“It is time to evaluate the agricultural-related universities and upgrade the facilities like research, basic amenities, infrastructure and modern facilities to improve the condition of these universities,” said Reddy.

“After the committee submits the report, the government will take steps to improve the condition of these universities,” he added.