Krishi Mela 2025, conducted by the University of Agricultural Sciences-Bangalore (UAS-B), will be held from November 13 to 16 on the GKVK campus in Bengaluru. While the theme for this year is ‘Prosperous Agriculture – Viksit Bharat: Soil, Water, and Crop’, special attractions at the fair will include agri-tourism.
Briefing media persons at a press conference on Friday, UAS-B Vice-Chancellor S.V. Suresh said, “On the eve of the Diamond Jubilee (60 years) celebration of our university, we are organising the Krishi Mela. We will exhibit technological innovations in the fields of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, watershed management, and rural development through demonstrations, exhibitions, farmer-to-farmer interaction sessions, and consultancy services. As many as 60 crop varieties have been demonstrated at the crop museum.”
“A wide range of exhibitors representing industries such as seeds, agrochemicals, fertilizers, farm machinery and equipment, irrigation systems, food processing and value addition, nurseries, animal husbandry, and fisheries are expected to participate in the fair,” Mr. Suresh added.
Agri-tourism
This Krishi Mela also focuses on agri-tourism, an innovative approach aimed at providing additional income opportunities to the farming community. “This initiative offers tourists a chance to experience authentic rural and agricultural environments by visiting crop fields. A village model has been established on an area of about three acres, featuring displays of traditional agricultural tools. Urban dwellers, especially children, can explore and learn about tools used in the past. More than 50 traditional tools are displayed in one place, allowing visitors to understand their uses and historical significance. In addition, exhibits highlighting the heritage of agricultural crops, varieties, and traditional fruit and vegetable seeds are arranged for visitors,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
Furthermore, traditional farming practices such as paddy cultivation, ploughing, sowing, harvesting, and threshing will be demonstrated. Visitors can also enjoy engaging activities like bullock-cart rides and milking. “This also aims to promote traditional rural crafts such as pottery making and rope weaving, thereby preserving and popularising rural heritage while creating new avenues for income generation among farming communities,” Mr. Suresh added.
A special ‘Insect Amazement Exhibition’ has been organised for the first time, serving as a major attraction for children and agriculture enthusiasts. The exhibition features live insects, insect models, and displays on insect life cycles, progeny development, habitats, and social behaviour. “It also highlights the importance of beneficial insects, showcases an Insect Cafe (insects as food), and provides information on harmful insect pests and their management technologies,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
“Additionally, exhibits focus on insect-based disease management and the applications of insects in life sciences, offering valuable insights for farmers, students, and the general public,” Mr. Suresh stated.
A Fish Expo will also be held, featuring an impressive display and sale of Indian and local ornamental fish, including Indian Rhinoceros fish, indigenous heritage species, and Karnataka inland fish. The exhibition also highlights freshwater pearl farming, improved fish breeds, and various innovations in aquaculture and fisheries management.
Fee bus facility
To facilitate visitors to the Krishi Mela, the university is providing free bus facility from GKVK main gate to the site of the Krishi Mela.
The university will honour five progressive farmers with State-level awards and 12 with district-level awards; 74 people, including young and innovative farmers, both men and women, will be honoured with taluk-level awards.
During the Krishi Mela, the university will also release Grain sorghum, Sunflower, Castor, and Black Turmeric hybrid varieties that provide more yield.
Published – November 07, 2025 11:33 pm IST
