`Krishi Mela' begins in Dharwad

`Krishi Mela' begins in Dharwad
The Hindu


DHARWAD: "Krishi Mela 2005" and the National Agricultural Machinery Exhibition began at the University of Agricultural Sciences here on Thursday.

Union Minister of State for Planning M.V. Rajashekharan inaugurated the four-day Krishi Mela. Pralhad Joshi, MP; Chandrakant Bellad, former MLA; Patil Puttappa, veteran journalist; S.A. Patil, Vice-Chancellor of the university, and others were present.

The Krishi Mela has an added feature this time in the form of the National Agricultural Machinery Exhibition in which farm equipment and machinery are on display. Companies from across the nation are participating in the exhibition.

Around 400 stalls have been put up at the mela, and 250 companies and organisations are participating in it. The mela has almost everything related to agriculture. From innovative techniques developed by farmers to hi-tech agricultural methods, the mela provides information on all aspects of farming. Information on organic farming, integrated farming, agri-based subsidiary enterprises and farm implements is available at the mela.

Special counters

In view of the recent floods in north Karnataka, a special counter has been set up at the mela to guide farmers who have suffered crop losses. There is also a special stall to test soil and water.

Farmers can bring samples of soil from their lands and samples of water and get them tested on the spot.

The university has also set up a special stall to give information to farmers on how they can make use of the Internet to access the price list of commodities.