India's 2nd largest convention hall to open on Saturday

The University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru (UAS-B), will hold its golden jubilee convocation on Saturday at its brand new convention centre, said to be the largest in South India and the second largest in the country.

The Dr Babu Rajendra Prasad International Convention Centre, located on the Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra (GKVK) campus on Ballari Road, has been built with funding from the state government and the university.

The university’s Estate Officer, Devaraj M N, said the convention centre was built for Rs 35 crore, of which the government contributed Rs 16 crore. Governor Vajubhai Vala is expected to inaugurate it.

The convention hall can accommodate 2,000 people and will host the 13th All India Agricultural Science Congress in February 2017 which will be held in Bengaluru for the first time, UAS-B Vice-Chancellor H Shivanna said at a press conference here on Wednesday. The theme for the event is ‘Climate Smart Agriculture’.

Students and staff from 73 agricultural universities in India and scientists from abroad and public sector enterprises will be in attendance. A total of 2,000 delegates are expected to participate, he added. At the convocation, the university will award 114 gold medals and various degrees to 922 students.

Drip irrigation

Director of the Research Department at GKVK, Dr Sheshadri, said farmers could increase the yield by 30-35% by adopting drip irrigation and suggested that they grow crops like sugarcane and paddy. “Drip irrigation reduces water usage by 40-45% and is essential to be adopted, especially during summer. Installation will cost Rs 65,000-Rs 70,000 per acre,” he said.