Krishi Mela-2024: Driverless tractors, coconut-plucking drones prime attractions

Bengaluru: The Krishi Mela-2024, organised by the University of Agricultural Sciences, kicked off on Thursday at the Gandhi Krishi Vignan Kendra (GKVK) campus, spotlighting unique agricultural products and innovations.

A few main attractions included donkey milk-based soaps and creams, a new broiler breed named ‘Raja-2’, which resembles the Natikoli and Giriraja varieties, and a prized Jafarabadi buffalo valued at Rs. 5.5 lakh.

Inaugurated by Agriculture Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy, the event underscored agriculture’s critical role in India’s economy. With over 75% of the population relying on agriculture, the Green Revolution’s contribution to boosting food production remains pivotal. Food production reached 332.22 million tonnes in 2023-24, with a target of 437 million tonnes set for 2047.

A driverless tractor equipped with an automated boom sprayer was among the standout attractions, along with a coconut harvesting drone, the Krishi Bot for remote-controlled ploughing, groundnut sowing, fertilisation, and a multispectral drone for crop health assessment.

Other highlights included the NSP seed portal, fertiliser calculator app, Cryagen Agri app, and Hydroporus vertical unit. Farmers also explored various technologies, including the Dharti Mitra and Meghadhoot apps, Arka Shine soil-testing kit, precision irrigation, and advanced horticulture systems, alongside drones, automated sprayers, and solar-powered equipment.

This year’s theme — “Climate Smart Digital Agriculture” — emphasises sustainable and innovative practices to address climate challenges. The mela highlighted the need for agricultural universities to inspire youth interest in farming and promote economic empowerment in the sector.

Dignitaries such as MLA SR Vishwanath and Dr Vishnuvardhana from the University of Horticulture Sciences stressed on integrated farming, crop insurance, and value addition as essential strategies for boosting farmers’ incomes. The event also recognised outstanding farmers with awards, celebrating achievements across Karnataka’s agricultural landscape.

The mela will continue until November 17.