Enthusiastic crowds throng agro fest PRS Horticulture Farm at Nandi

Farmers complain of broken promises over transport and water

It was a mixed reaction for the agro and flower exhibition organised at the PRS Horticulture Farm at Nandi Cross in the taluk on Monday.

The festival was sucess as far as the stalls and the flower exhibition were concerned, but many farmers who attended the festival expressed dissapointment over the failureof organizers to arrange transport, food and drinking warer for attendees.

Earlier, District administration and officers from different departments had announced that buses would be provided to visitors. They had also promised that food and water would be provided at the festival venue. “In reality, we had to get everything. There was even no information at the counter where to get water,” farmers complained.

Apart from this, there was a good response for the agricultural and flower exhibition. A large number of people thronged the exhibition on the second day on Monday. Many were seen collecting information on various exhibits. Children watched various designs carved out of vegetables with awe. Organisers also explained how these designs were carved.

At stalls, farmers collected details on advanced machinery and agricultural equipment. Information was also provided about the purchase rate of various crops and subsidies.
Women farmers also visited the exhibition in large numbers. They collected information regarding agriculture aspects and also tried to get information from the Women and Child Welfare Department. They were also seen discussing related issues with agriculture exp erts.

Many schools brought their students to attend the exhibition. Speaking to Deccan Herald, one of the teachers said that, “Agriculture and flower exhibitions are held rarely in the district. We have to travel to University of Agricultural Sciences in Bangalore or to Lalbagh. Most of the students living in urban areas are not exposed to farming tools and even flowers of various kinds. This is a very good exposure for the students where they can learn many new things.”