Farmers absent, even as eager crowds throng Krishi Mela

Despite the sunny weather, Krishi Mela 2014 at University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) attracted enthusiasts in large numbers on Wednesday.

Ironically, even this time around, the mela saw farmers’ participation in less number compared to City residents.

While adults were seen strolling around the organic seeds and plant sections, schoolchildren, in hundreds, feasted their eyes on the farm section.  A variety of rabbits, hen and fish coveted the youngsters’ attention. 

The platform that was set up to initiate farmer to farmer interaction, introducing new technology to farmers and also familiarising them to new age crops had much more to offer. For hobbyists, it was just the right place to pick up seeds and saplings from, for children, an opportunity to discover the spectrum of species in the field and for vendors, a market that would see an endless inflow of customers.

A wide range of food stalls offering mouth watering rural delicacies from Ragi Mudde, Jolada Rotti, coastal fish and prawn dishes to Mandakki and Ginger coffee also saw a lot of crowd. Sceptical about the quality of processed oregano and basil available in the market? Krishi Mela might be the right place to find a solution. 

Growing medicinal herbs in small little pots at home would be the best option, say University of Agricultural Sciences experts.  For those relying on medication from plants grown in the backyard, stall number  47 is where they must head to.

UAS Department of Horticulture Prof Dr M Vasundara said the stall had about 200 varieties of plants.  “We have also been training farmers and pursuing them to grow these crops. Not only does it consume less space but earns good revenue,” she added.  Most herbs are priced as less as Rs 10. 

Another attraction was the stall by College of Sericulture, Chintamani. Flowers, garlands, decorative items and wallpapers, made of waste cocoons are a must see.

College of Sericulture Prof M Vijayendra, pointed that just about two per cent of the entire waste produced is used in making there products while the rest went for making carpets.

Flowers of various shapes and colours that could be picked at by one’s taste, and clothes made of silk are available in the stall.