University of Agricultural Sciences in Mandya is growing tomato and brinjal from the same plant

The newly established University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) in Mandya is growing tomato and brinjal from the same plant.

Speaking after inaugurating Krishi Mela 2025 at UAS, Mandya, on December 5, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he was informed by Harini Kumar, Special Officer of the University, that UAS had started growing tomato and brinjal from the same plant as part of its research activities.

The Chief Minister also said he was informed by Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy that researchers in the Philippines were also cultivating multiple agricultural items from a single plant as part of their research activities.

As science had made a lot of advancements in the field of agriculture, Mr. Siddaramaiah called upon farmers to make use of technological advancements and make agriculture profitable.

The exhibition organised as part of Krishi Mela featured all the major crops grown in the five districts of the region, including Mysuru, Hassan, Kodagu, and Chamarajanagar, besides Mandya.

Mr. Cheluvarayaswamy, during his address, said Krishi Mela used to be organised every year at V.C. Farm. But this year, it was organised on a large scale as it was the first Krisha Mela after the establishment of UAS, Mandya.

Many new varieties of crops, technologies, and advanced agricultural machinery are being showcased at Krishi Mela, which is being held from December 5 to 7.

UAS, Mandya, which is the fifth agriculture university in Karnataka, had received University Grants Commission recognition in the very first year of its establishment, he said.

Mr. Cheluvarayaswamy said the University, through an agreement with International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Philippines, will be developing disease-resistant varieties of rice here.

Meanwhile, Darshan Puttannaiah, Melukote MLA, who presided over the event, emphasised the need for preserving soil health to increase the yield by using less water.

He also urged farmers to practice integrated farming along with producing by-products to add value to their produce, earn higher profits, and make agriculture profitable.