Krishi Mela: Nano urea revolutionising agriculture

Dharwad: Indian agriculture sector is witnessing a revolution with the introduction of nano urea and use of agriculture drones and the Centre has been encouraging farmers to adopt latest technology in their fields and subsidy is given for drones, said Union minister for food and renewable energy Pralhad Joshi
Inaugurating the seed mela as part of the Krishi Mela at University of Agricultural Sciences here, he said a large chunk of money is earmarked for seed production and funding for the varsities to develop improved seed quality is at an all-time high.
Joshi called upon farmers to install solar power to their pumpsets.
The minister said MSP for paddy has been increased from Rs 1,310 to Rs 2,320, and for jowar it is increased to Rs 3,420. He said, the Centre is committed to uphold the interests of farmers and initiate all steps to make agriculture a more profitable venture, he added.
Krishi Mela has been attracting not only farmers and traders but people from all walks of life in lakhs.
As the agriculture sector is fast transforming into mechanised farming, various companies have set up stalls demonstrating an array of farm equipment.
Many of the companies are offering EMIs (easy monthly instalment) on heavy machinery. The highlight of this year's mela has been mini farm equipment to help small-holding farmers overcome labour shortage.
This apart, several seed and improved crop breed companies too have been attracting farmers. Floriculture has turned into a profitable venture and with the govt offering subsidies, the stalls on flower, hi-tech horticulture are abuzz.
Till Monday evening, over seven lakh people visited the Mela. Farmers got information on latest technologies in the field of agriculture.
Many people were keen to know the usefulness of medicinal plants and the methods to cultivate them.
The scientists said growing medicinal herbs in the backyard of the houses or hanging gardens on roof tops is the new trend as the people post-Covid have become more health conscious.
Caption: Farmers look at new farm equipment that are on display at Krishi Mela organised by University of Agricultural Sciences in Dharwad (TOI)