Agricultural experts and leaders have called for a renewed focus on scientific farming and market-oriented strategies to boost farmer incomes and ensure sustainability. The clarion call was made during the inaugural ceremony of the Agriculture and Horticulture Fair held in Mudigere, Chikkamagaluru, on Saturday.
Scientific Approach and Market Focus
Dr. R.C. Jagadish, Vice-Chancellor of Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, delivered a crucial message to the farming community. He strongly recommended that farmers conduct soil and water tests on their land every single year. This practice, he emphasized, is fundamental to achieving a robust and healthy crop yield.
Shifting focus to market dynamics, the Vice-Chancellor pointed out the high global demand for Indian spice products. He advised that crops which are in high demand should be properly branded and marketed to capture their full value. Illustrating a growth opportunity, he shared that while current global coffee production is around 3.5 lakh tons, it is projected to reach 7 lakh tons by the year 2067.
Dr. Jagadish also highlighted the vast potential for creating new agricultural products and stressed the importance of making concerted efforts to attract the younger generation to the farming sector.
Political and Farmer Perspectives
Echoing the sentiment of supporting farmers, MLA Nayana Motamma stated that if all agricultural universities and department officials work with the singular goal of helping farmers increase their yield and income, no one would be compelled to abandon farming. "A decline in income is the primary reason farmers move away from agriculture," she noted. Her solution involves emphasizing the production of all locally suitable crops and ensuring livelihood support for agricultural workers.
For the farming community, the fair is a significant event. Farmer leader B.B. Ningaiah described it as a "festival for farmers." He called it a golden opportunity for cultivators to learn about the latest research and innovations. Ningaiah urged farmers to gain insights from successful peers and appealed to scientists to direct their research towards solving practical problems faced by farmers.
Launch and Recognition at the Fair
The fair was also a platform for launching a new agricultural product. A novel rice variety named 'Sahyadri Jalamukti' was officially introduced to the public.
The event featured extensive exhibitions and sales stalls showcasing a diverse range of agricultural offerings. These included:
- Various fruit and flower crop nurseries.
- Livestock such as Hallikar cattle, Gir cattle, Tericherry sheep, and Keng sheep.
- Multiple breeds of poultry.
- The latest agricultural machinery and equipment.
In a gesture of appreciation, the fair organizers honored progressive farmers and individuals who have made notable contributions to the coffee industry.
The event saw the presence of several dignitaries including KGF president Halase Shivanna, Farmers' Association district president D.L. Ashok Kumar, and Growers' Association president Balakrishna Balur.
