The Bengaluru Krishi Mela will be held at the Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra (GKVK) in Hebbal from November 16 to 18, with drought management technologies, climate-resilient crops and water conservation among its main themes. The three-day event will include crop demonstrations, expert sessions and an on-site advisory centre for farmers.
The fair will be inaugurated at 11am on November 16 by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, according to a report by Prajavani. Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda will preside over the opening ceremony. Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje will inaugurate the agricultural materials exhibition, while Agriculture Minister P.M. Narendra Swamy is scheduled to release new crop varieties.
The GKVK has prepared 10 acres of demonstration plots featuring 75 varieties of crops, including drought-tolerant varieties. The plots are intended to provide visitors with an opportunity to examine crop options suited to dry conditions and changing agricultural requirements.
The event’s technical programme will focus on crops suitable for drought conditions, improving yields, the effects of El Niño, climate variability, rainwater conservation and future farming practices. Demonstrations and sessions will also cover insect-related themes and honey gardens. Scientists M.N. Thimma Gowda, G.S. Srinivasa Reddy, J. Mohammed Ahmed, R. Nagaraj, B.L. Manjunath and R.H. Patil are scheduled to present their views, along with progressive farmers Basavaraju and Srivatsa Govindaraju.
A specialist advisory centre has been established at the venue to address farmers’ problems on site. Demonstration plots for millets, sunflower and flowering plants have also been developed as part of the fair. The combination of field demonstrations and direct expert consultations is designed to place practical information alongside the exhibition component.
The programme will continue with an awards ceremony on November 17, when Union Minister V. Somanna is scheduled to distribute prizes. Ministers K.H. Muniyappa, H.C. Balakrishna and Puttarangashetty are expected to attend events associated with the fair.
The closing ceremony is scheduled for 2.30pm on November 18. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara will distribute farmer awards, with ministers Ramalinga Reddy, S.S. Mallikarjun, Bairathi Suresh and K.S. Basavanna expected to participate. The event’s stated emphasis on drought response, rainfall conservation and climate variability places adaptation technologies at the centre of the three-day programme.
