The prestigious Krishi Mela, organized by the University of Agricultural Sciences in Bengaluru, concluded on a spectacular note with an unprecedented turnout of visitors. The four-day agricultural extravaganza, which ran from November 15 to November 18, 2024, successfully attracted 5.416 lakh visitors, demonstrating the growing interest in modern farming techniques and agricultural innovations among both farmers and urban residents.
Record-Breaking Attendance and Economic Impact
This year's Krishi Mela shattered previous attendance records, drawing farmers, students, researchers, and agriculture enthusiasts from across Karnataka and neighboring states. The massive participation translated into substantial economic benefits, with business transactions worth Rs 18.5 crore recorded during the event. This impressive figure underscores the commercial significance of the mela as a platform for agricultural trade and knowledge exchange.
The event's success was particularly notable given the challenges of organizing large-scale gatherings in the post-pandemic era. University officials expressed delight at the overwhelming response, noting that the visitor count far exceeded their initial expectations and demonstrated the enduring relevance of traditional agricultural fairs when combined with modern technological displays.
Technological Innovations Take Center Stage
This edition of Krishi Mela placed significant emphasis on technology-driven agricultural growth, featuring numerous innovations designed to revolutionize farming practices. Among the highlights were advanced irrigation systems, drone technology for crop monitoring, soil health management solutions, and digital platforms connecting farmers directly with markets.
Several startups and established agricultural technology companies showcased their products, offering farmers practical solutions to common challenges. The technology pavilion emerged as one of the most visited sections, with farmers showing keen interest in adopting modern tools to enhance productivity and reduce manual labor.
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, also displayed its latest research findings and development programs, emphasizing the institution's commitment to bridging the gap between laboratory research and field application. The demonstrations included improved seed varieties, climate-resilient cropping patterns, and sustainable farming practices.
Educational Impact and Future Initiatives
Beyond the commercial transactions and technological displays, the Krishi Mela served as an important educational platform. Thousands of students from agricultural universities and rural schools visited the exhibition, gaining exposure to the latest developments in the farming sector. Interactive sessions with experts, live demonstrations, and practical workshops provided valuable learning opportunities for both experienced farmers and newcomers to agriculture.
Dr. S. Rajendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, expressed satisfaction with the event's outcomes. He emphasized that the mela successfully achieved its primary objective of disseminating agricultural knowledge and promoting the adoption of scientific farming methods among the farming community.
The overwhelming response to this year's Krishi Mela has prompted university authorities to consider expanding the event's scale and scope in future editions. Plans are already underway to incorporate more international participants and showcase global best practices in agriculture, further enhancing the event's value for Indian farmers.
As the curtains fell on the 2024 edition, the agricultural community departed with new knowledge, valuable contacts, and innovative tools—all pointing toward a more productive and sustainable future for Indian agriculture. The record-breaking success of this year's Krishi Mela sets a promising precedent for future agricultural exhibitions in the country.
