The upcoming Krishi Mela 2024, held at the Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra (GKVK) campus in Bangalore from November 14 to 17, will feature a lineup of advanced agricultural innovations aimed at promoting sustainable and climate-smart farming. Organized by the University of Agricultural Sciences Bangalore (UASB) in collaboration with the Agriculture Department and other government entities, the event will focus on the theme, “Climate Smart Digital Agriculture.”
Innovative Farming Tools on Display
Visitors to Krishi Mela 2024 can explore several unique technologies designed to support farmers in adapting to climate change. Highlights include:
- Krishi Bot: A battery-operated smart farming assistant to aid in efficient farm management.
- Automated Fertilizer Broadcaster: Capable of spreading fertilizer over a seven-meter radius, making fertilization faster and more effective.
- Drone with Multispectral Camera: This advanced drone monitors crop health, providing valuable data to help improve crop yield.
- Solar-Powered Bird Scarer: Using three different sound patterns, this tool keeps birds away from crops without harming the environment.
Addressing Climate Challenges through Digital Agriculture
Karnataka, heavily reliant on rain-fed agriculture, faces significant challenges due to climate change. Extreme weather variations, including erratic rainfall and temperature fluctuations, have impacted sustainable farming practices across the state. The UASB emphasizes that adopting climate-smart digital agriculture, through the integration of Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data analytics, robotics, and precision farming, is crucial for achieving resilient agricultural practices.
Expansive Exhibition with 700 Stalls
The four-day event will host around 700 stalls, showcasing a range of crops, innovative farming technologies, and tools developed by agricultural universities, private agritech companies, and veterinary organizations. These exhibits aim to provide farmers with practical solutions and introduce them to emerging technology in the field.
New Crop Varieties and Recognitions
UASB will also launch four new crop varieties: maize, cowpea, sunflower, and bajra. Additionally, over 140 awards will be distributed to farmers who have excelled in agricultural practices at the state, district, and taluk levels, recognizing their contributions to the farming community.
Krishi Mela 2024 will provide a platform for farmers, researchers, and stakeholders to engage with the latest advancements in digital agriculture, fostering a future of sustainable farming aligned with the demands of climate change.
