Siddhagiri Krishi Mahotsav on Natural Farming and Indigenous Cow Exhibition Organised at KVK Kolhapur–II, Maharashtra

15-17 February 2026, Kolhapuri

Shri Siddhagiri Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kaneri Math, Kolhapur–II, Maharashtra, successfully organised the ‘Siddhagiri Krishi Mahotsav’ from 15–17 February 2026 under the Natural Farming Demonstration component of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), along with an Indigenous Cow Exhibition. The initiative aimed to promote sustainable, eco-friendly agricultural practices among farmers, women, students, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

On 15 February 2026, an Indigenous Cow Exhibition featuring more than 250 animals was inaugurated in the presence of P.P. Adrushya Kadsiddheshwar Swamiji, Chairman, KVK Kaneri Math, Kolhapur, Dr. Vallabhbhai Kathiria, Former Union Minister of State, Shri Sudhakar Singh, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha – Buxar, Bihar, and Member, Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing), along with other senior officers and the team of KVK Kaneri, Kolhapur.

The exhibition served as an important platform for promoting indigenous cattle breeds, strengthening rural livelihoods, and advancing sustainable farming practices in the region. Such initiatives are vital for conserving India’s rich bovine genetic heritage and ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability. The programme concluded with the recognition and felicitation of outstanding breeders and participating farmers.

The Natural Farming Demonstration Plot under NMNF was inaugurated on 16 February 2026 in the presence of P.P. Adrushya Kadsiddheshwar Swamiji. The plot was inaugurated by Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Shri Sudhakar Singh (MP, Lok Sabha – Buxar, Bihar), Dr. S. K. Roy, Director, ICAR-ATARI Pune, Prof. Indira Sarangthem, Director, Education, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, along with other senior officers.

During the inauguration, the dignitaries emphasized that natural farming offers significant benefits, including improved soil health, reduced cost of cultivation, and environmental protection. Farmers were encouraged to gradually transition from chemical-based agriculture to sustainable alternatives by adopting natural farming technologies.

The demonstration plot established under the National Mission on Natural Farming will enable farmers to observe, learn, and implement natural farming techniques in a practical setting. The organisers expressed confidence that the initiative will play a crucial role in enhancing soil health, promoting the use of local resources, ensuring sustainable agricultural production, and encouraging wider adoption of natural farming practices.

A large number of farmers, students, and visitors participated in the three-day programme, reflecting strong interest in sustainable agriculture and indigenous livestock conservation.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Pune)