The four-day Brihat Krishi Mela–2026, organized by the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad, Karnataka, from 25 to 28 September 2026, concluded successfully with the participation of 25.66 lakh members of the farming community. Held under the theme “Empowered Woman – Sustainable Agriculture,” the Mela served as a major platform for agricultural technology dissemination, farmer–scientist interaction and knowledge exchange among farmers, researchers, extension agencies, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders.
The Mela was organized under the chairmanship of Dr N. B. Prakash, Vice-Chancellor, UAS, Dharwad, and coordinated by Dr N. Manjula, Director (Extension). Dr M. Prabhakar, Director, ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Bengaluru, participated in the Mela on 28 September 2026 and interacted with farmers to understand their experiences and perspectives.
The six ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) under the jurisdiction of UAS, Dharwad, played a significant role in planning and implementing the Mela in coordination with the University staff and Directorate of Extension. The KVKs facilitated farmer mobilization, showcased field-level technologies, supported farmer–scientist interactions and disseminated location-specific agricultural advisories.
A total of 673 stalls were set up, including 232 hi-tech stalls, 305 general stalls, 75 agricultural machinery stalls, 31 tractor and heavy machinery stalls, and 30 food stalls. The displays showcased advances in precision agriculture, protected cultivation, farm mechanization, drone technology, digital agriculture, climate-smart production systems, natural farming, post-harvest management and value addition.
The Seed Mela was a major attraction, highlighting the importance of quality seed in improving crop productivity and resilience. A total of 1,184.5 quintals of Rabi seeds were sold, generating revenue of ₹99.35 lakh. The initiative provided farmers access to improved varieties suitable for the Rabi season and strengthened the link between research-generated varieties, seed production and adoption at the farm level.
Brihat Krishi Mela–2026 reinforced the importance of farmer-centric extension, scientific knowledge dissemination, quality seed promotion, climate-resilient agriculture, women’s empowerment, sustainable farming and agricultural entrepreneurship. The participation of 25.66 lakh members of the farming community reflected the demand for scientific information, improved agricultural technologies and direct interaction with experts.
(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone XI, Bengaluru)
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