Date:17/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/17/stories/2008111753690400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Scientists told to learn about farmers’ problems

Special Correspondent

— Photo: Sampath Kumar G.P.

ADVANCED: Power tillers on display at the Krishi Mela in Bangalore on Sunday.

BANGALORE: The four-day 42nd Krishi Mela organised by the University of Agricultural Sciences at the Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra here concluded on Sunday.

The mela recorded a total of 4.25 lakh visitors. Farmers, students and research scholars of agricultural sciences, agro-economists, academics and a host of other experts visited the agricultural extravaganza.

The mela recorded a turnover of Rs. 1.87 crore and nearly 5,000 farmers consulted the raitha samparka kendra.

Three species of bovine animals brightened the valedictory programme. A pair of robust looking Hallikar bulls-“Rama Lakshmana” was brought to the valedictory function by Chikkaveerappa of Gadenahalli of Bangalore Rural district. This was followed by a three-month-old calf of Sahiwal (Gujarat breed) which was locally bred with the help of artificial insemination method. The huge Devani (Maharasthra breed) bull was another attraction. The animal parade provided some excitement to the audience.

Mr. Chikkaveerappa told The Hindu that when the Hallikar bulls were displayed at the livestock enclosure on November 13, the price of each bull was quoted at Rs. 1.8 lakh, but on the last day of the mela, the price went up to Rs. 2.2 lakh.

The university had organised prizes for stall owners and exhibitors. Minister for Small Industries and Silk Venktaramanappa gave away the prizes.

Mr. Venkataramanappa called upon the scientists to go to villages and find out what the farmers wanted and direct their energies and expertise to invent things that will help the farmers to increase the agricultural output, prevent crop loss and also bring them some profit.

Minister for Agricultural Markets and Sugar Shivaraj S Tangadagi said that he was not happy with the way the farmers were being guided by the departments concerned. He said many farmers did not know the benefits the government had extended to them. He said to give their products better prices all the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees in the State had been told to display prices for different produce in different markets so that the farmers could take their produce to the markets that offered them good price.

Vice Chancellor of UAS P.G. Chengappa was present.