Krishi Mela 2026 will begin at the Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra campus in Bengaluru on November 16, bringing farmers, researchers and government departments together for a three-day exhibition focused on drought management and climate-resilient agriculture. The annual event, organised by the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bengaluru, will continue until November 18.
The mela will familiarise farmers with crops and varieties suited to drought-prone regions, scientific farming methods and agricultural technologies designed to respond to changing climatic conditions. Nearly 10 acres of the GKVK campus have been used to cultivate and display around 75 crops and varieties as part of scientific demonstrations.
Research departments of UAS Bengaluru, other state agricultural universities, national research institutes and government departments will participate in the event. Their stalls will showcase research findings, agricultural technologies, development programmes and initiatives aimed at farmers.
The programme’s major attractions will include Keeta Vismaya, an insect-focused exhibition, Madhuvana or Honey Garden, dryland farming demonstrations and displays of high-yielding crop varieties. The demonstrations are intended to provide farmers with practical exposure to crop choices and farming methods relevant to water-stressed conditions.
Expert-led seminars and interactive sessions will examine the impact of El Nino on Karnataka and preparedness for its effects. Other sessions will focus on climate-smart agriculture amid increasing climate variability, as well as soil and water conservation. The themes place drought preparedness within the wider challenge of maintaining farm productivity while climate conditions become less predictable.
A special farmers’ advisory centre will operate at the mela, offering on-the-spot solutions and expert guidance on agriculture-related issues. The centre will provide a direct interface between farmers and specialists from the participating institutions, according to the organisers.
The event will also recognise progressive farmers and women farmers through awards at the state, district and taluk levels. The organisers said the awards will acknowledge contributions to the agricultural sector.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar is scheduled to inaugurate the mela, while Minister Krishna Byre Gowda will preside over the function. Agriculture Minister and UAS Bengaluru Pro-Chancellor P M Narendra Swamy will release newly developed crop varieties and agricultural technologies. Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje is scheduled to inaugurate the agricultural exhibition stalls.
