UAS-B to showcase integrated farming models’ demonstration plots to instil confidence among farmers at Krishi Mela
It is possible to earn around Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 40,000 a month from just one hectare (two and half acres) of farm land with a borewell through the integrated farming system, according to on-field experiments of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru (UAS-B).
Based on its experiments over the years, the university has developed an integrated farming system model, which ensures an average income of up to Rs. 40,000 a month from one hectare of irrigated land, and Rs. 10,000 to 15,000 a month from the rain-fed land.
The UAS-B has decided to instil confidence among farmers in distress by showcasing its integrated farming system model at its annual Krishi Mela to be held on its campus in Bengaluru from November 19 to 22.
Nagaraju, who has worked on these models, explains that efficient utilisation of resources and analysing the market trends was the key to success of these models. Under this, the total plot of 2.5 acres is divided into five components earmarked for growing food crops, commercial crops, ornamental flowers, etc.
The dry-land model has a farm pond to harvest rain water which is used during kharif for growing short-duration vegetables.
UAS-B Vice-Chancellor H. Shivanna said demonstration plots of integrated farming system models would be set up in all the seven Krishi Vigyan Kendras spread across 10 districts coming under the jurisdiction of the university to create awareness among farmers about sustainable agricultural practices.
The Krishi Mela will have a total of 600 stalls.
This is sweet news for those who love sour tamarinds. The University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, will release a high-yielding variety of tamarind which gives two to four-fold yield than the normal varieties, during the Krishi Mela to be held from November 19 to 22.
Announcing this on Tuesday, UAS-B Vice-Chancellor H. Shivanna and Research Director K.P. Vishwanatha said the 10-year-old tree of the new variety titled GKVK-17 would give an average yield of 101 kg.
The university will also release a high-yielding and drought-tolerant variety of groundnut titled GKVK-5 and rust-resistant food cowpea titled MFC-08-14.
Even as the stage is set for hosting the four-day Krishi Mela from November 19, the UAS-B is looking at skies and keeping its fingers crossed as the rains may play spoilsport for the annual mega farm event.
Agriculture scientists are concerned as the crop demonstration fields have become slushy. But the university has no other option except to go ahead with the Mela as most of the stalls have already been set up. Any change in schedule will not only result in additional expenses, but also involves the complicated exercise of taking all the participants, especially those who have put up the stalls, into confidence.
The only hope for the university is that the weather forecast indicates that the rains triggered by depression over the Bay of Bengal may either reduce or end from now onwards.
Source : The Hindu
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