Dharwad Krishi Mela 2025 - Solutions to Emerging Challenges and Empowerment of Farmers

 Dharwad Krishi Mela 2025 - Solutions to Emerging Challenges and Empowerment of Farmers

“Dharwad, 03 September 2025 - The annual Krishi Mela to be held in Dharwad, Karnataka this time will not only become a platform to introduce farmers to new technologies and agricultural practices, but it will also play an important role in finding solutions to emerging challenges in the agriculture sector. Labour Minister and Dharwad District In-charge Santosh Lad has appealed to look at this fair as an event that addresses the real problems of the farmers and presents practical solutions for them.

In a preparatory meeting held in Dharwad on Saturday, Mr. Lad directed the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad to take concrete steps in this direction. This year, the fair to be held from 13 to 16 September will be based on the theme 'Food Nutrients, Soil and Crop Varieties - Agro Processing'. This event is one of the largest agricultural fairs in North Karnataka, which brings farmers, scientists, experts and policy makers on one platform.

Importance of Krishi Mela and Challenges

In his address, Mr Lad emphasised that Krishi Mela should not be just an exhibition but a platform for farmers to find real solutions to their problems. “We have to ensure that this fair does not become a crowded exhibition. It should be a fair of farmers where they share their problems and get practical solutions for them,” he said.

Due to excessive rains in Dharwad district this year, crops on about one lakh hectares have suffered heavy damage. In this context, the Minister urged the scientists, experts and students of the university to visit the affected fields, study the causes of the damage and submit their findings to the government. “The university has to take the lead in tackling the emerging challenges in the agriculture sector, such as climate change, deterioration of soil health, and crop losses. Scientists should not only study the problems but also suggest solutions to them,” he said.

Cooperation of District Administration

Mr Lad assured full cooperation from the District Administration for the success of the Krishi Mela. He said the fair is an important opportunity to inform farmers about modern agricultural techniques, new cropping practices and value addition of agricultural produce. “This fair will help empower farmers and increase their income. Through this we can connect them with the latest technologies and market demands,” he said.

Crop Insurance and Socio-economic Challenges

At the meeting, Dharwad Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu stressed the need for scientific studies on the effectiveness of crop insurance. She informed that many farmers have complained that the benefits of crop insurance are not reaching all beneficiaries equally. “We need to understand where the insurance schemes are lacking and how it can be improved,” she said.

The Deputy Commissioner also expressed concern over the increasing incidents of farmers’ suicide in North Karnataka. He said in-depth research is needed to understand the socio-economic reasons behind these incidents. “Farmers’ suicide is a serious issue. We need to understand the root causes of this, such as debt, crop loss, and lack of access to markets. The university should also work in this direction,” he added.

Theme and objectives of Krishi Mela

UAS Vice Chancellor Prof. PL ​​Patil said that this year’s Krishi Mela will focus on the theme ‘Food Nutrients, Soil and Crop Varieties – Agro-Processing’. The theme aims to focus on soil health, nutrient management and development of new crop varieties. Apart from this, emphasis will be laid on agro-processing to teach farmers how to add value to their produce.

Prof. Patil said that various exhibitions, workshops, and discussion sessions with experts will be organised at the fair. “Our aim is to introduce farmers to new technologies and provide a platform to solve their problems. The fair will become a bridge of dialogue between farmers, scientists and policy makers,” he said.

Opportunities for farmers

The Krishi Mela provides a golden opportunity for farmers to learn new technologies and practices. The fair will have exhibitions on topics such as modern agricultural equipment, organic farming techniques, water management, and crop diversification. Apart from this, farmers will also be informed about market demands and value addition processes.

Local and national level companies will showcase their products and services at the fair, giving farmers access to new technologies and equipment. Along with this, farmers will be able to discuss their problems and get expert advice in sessions with experts.

Preparations for Krishi Mela

Shri Lad directed the officials to make arrangements for the fair in such a way that it is accessible and useful for the farmers. “We have to ensure that the fair is accessible to all stakeholders. Transport, accommodation, and other facilities should be managed in such a way that farmers can participate in the fair without any hassle,” he said.

He also suggested that digital technologies be used in the fair, such as online registration and virtual exhibitions, so that even farmers from far-flung areas can benefit from it.