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Krishi Mela attracts a large crowd in Brahmavar, new rice variety released


Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Oct 20, 2019: The two-day Krishi Mela organised by Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station-Brahmavar in association with Agricultural Diploma College-Brahmavar and District Krishik Samaja-Udupi and Mangaluru, at Horticultural Research Station in Brahmavar was inaugurated on October 19, Saturday.


krishi mela


krishi mela


Speaking on the occasion MLA Raghupathi Bhat promised to hold talks with Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on releasing grants and running the agriculture college from next academic year. He said there was sufficient land for constructing an agriculture college in  Brahmavar. MLA Bhat said if the situation warranted an expert from the research center would be inducted into the delegation to convince the chief minter on the need for a agriculture college in the region.

The MLA lamented that lack of profit and labour problem had forced youth to shy away from agriculture. “Today, agriculture is the least preferred occupation. Youth are of the impression that agriculture is not a respected occupation. The youth are migrating to city in search of job with a good salary for good life. Thus there is a huge responsibility on the department to ensure better support for agriculture and horticulture activities.’’  He said setting up of a college might help in promotion of agriculture.

MLA Bhat maintained that increased mechanisation would support improved agricultural activities.  University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, Vice Chancellor Dr M K Naik said the climatic variations in coastal region had triggered an uncertainty in agriculture, which is a challenge to farmers.

The university has involved itself in different research activities to overcome the challenge. The new paddy variety of ‘Sahyadri Panchamukhi’, is one such example. The rice variety is being successfully experimented in the field, he added.

“The ‘Sahyadri Panchamukhi’ is flood resistant and suited to areas prone to flooding during monsoon. The crop will be ready for harvesting within 130 to 135 days of transplantation. It is a red variety rice,” he added.

The VC added that 400 acres of land was identified for mechanised farming in Udupi. Initially, mechanised farming will be carried out in 50 acres.

As many as 12,000 farmers were included in the facilities offering weather predictions among others, he added. A stream of interested people is seen for the mela is expected to give a thrust to agriculture in the region.

The display comprised modern technologies like tractor driven disc plough, tractor driven string cultivator, seed and fertilizer drill, tractor driven cage wheel, rotary tiller, mini and medium power sprayer and so on.The demonstrations on dairy, poultry, goat and rabbit rearing successfully highlighted the concept of integrated farming for farmers.