The Krushi Mela, organized every year by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, ranks among the nation’s most prestigious and notable agricultural fairs. Scheduled to take place from September 25 to 28 on the campus of UAS Dharwad, ‘Krushi Mela 2026’ has raised fresh hopes among the farmers of North Karnataka. On September 25, District In-charge Minister Santosh Lad will inaugurate the ‘Seed Mela’.
Highlights from the interview conducted by the “Agriculture India” team with the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr. N. B. Prakash, regarding the special features, technology, and facilities available to farmers at this year’s event:
Question: What is the central theme of this year’s Krushi Mela, and what is its background?
Dr. N. B. Prakash: This year’s mela is organized under the core theme “Empowered Women – Sustainable Agriculture.” The United Nations has declared the year 2026 as the ‘International Year of the Woman Farmer’. Women play a unique role in agricultural production, value addition, and marketing. Thus, empowering women farmers is our primary objective.
Question: What will be the major attractions for participating farmers and attendees?
Dr. N. B. Prakash: A total of 594 exhibition stalls have been reserved this time. This includes 168 high-tech stalls, 75 farm machinery stalls, and 28 stalls for tractors and heavy machinery. At the Seed Mela, approximately 3,948 quintals of high-quality seeds required for the Rabi season will be sold directly to farmers.
Seven to eight new crop varieties developed by our scientists will be released, accompanied by 2-minute short videos showcasing their features. Stalls like the ‘Wondrous World of Insects’, fruit and flower shows, and livestock and dog shows will be key attractions.
Question: To what extent are modern technology and startups given opportunities at the fair?
Dr. N. B. Prakash: We are placing heavy emphasis on modern ‘smart agriculture’. An ‘Agri-Startup Pavilion’ spanning an area of one acre has been set up, featuring 12 startups.
Key highlights include:
Borewell water management systems
Sprout weeders
Real-time agricultural advisory technology for grape growers
Gram-nipping machines and demonstrations of hydroponic fodder rooms
Question: Given the drought-like conditions in the state, what guidance is being offered to farmers regarding drought management?
Dr. N. B. Prakash: With more than 127 taluks in the state affected by drought conditions, priority is being given to demonstrations of drought-resistant crop varieties, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharge technologies. Additionally, a ‘Farmers’ Advisory Center’ staffed by scientists will function continuously to address farmers’ queries directly.
Question: Considering the massive turnout (expected around 2 million people), what digital and infrastructure arrangements have been made?
Dr. N. B. Prakash: Yes, we anticipate 1.5 to 2 million visitors this year. To prevent network congestion that could disrupt UPI/QR code payments, temporary mobile towers have been installed in collaboration with private telecom companies. Spacious parking and traffic management arrangements have been made in coordination with the police department. For news media correspondents to send reports and videos seamlessly, a dedicated ‘Media Room’ equipped with charging stations and high-speed internet has been prepared.
Vice-Chancellor’s Message to Farmers:
“Adopting technology in agriculture is the need of the hour. I urge every interested farmer to visit the mela, interact openly with our scientists, and make their farming sustainable and profitable.”
