BENGALURU: The popular Krishi Mela being held in the city annually since 1965, barring three years of drought, was declared open by Governor Vajubhai Vala at Gandhi Krishi Vijnan Kendra of the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) on Thursday. By the end of the day, nearly 1.25 lakh people had visited the fair.
Altogether 700 stalls are showcasing their wares at the mela, which will be on till November 19.
Agriculture and Horticulture universities, self help groups, agricultural consultants, entrepreneurs selling agricultural products and farmers have set up shop here.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor of UAS, Bengaluru, H Shivanna said nearly 12 lakh footfall was expected for the event. “The weather conditions are good this year and the event could not be held last year. It is also a four-day event this year unlike the regular three-day programme. So, we are expecting a huge number.”
Farmers from Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Tumakuru, Chikkaballapur, Kolar, Hassan, Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar and Ramanagaram generally constitute the bulk of visitors, the VC said.
The mela, held every November, was not held in 2010, 2012 and 2016, Shivanna said. Eight new varieties of crops released this year were officially announced.
Two out of five farmers who have won state-level awards for their excellence were conferred their awards by the Governor. C R Radhakrishna from Chikaballapur was conferred the C Byre Gowda Best Farmer Award while Raju Satteppa Byrugola of Belagavi was handed over the M H Mari Gowda Best Horticultural Farmer Award. Three more will be awarded during the valedictory function.
The mela is open from 8am to 6pm and entry is free.
Fair is on till
Nov 19 from 8am to 6pm
Altogether 700 stalls are showcasing their wares at the mela