UAS-B’s Krishi Mela on theme ‘climate-smart digital farming’ to feature drones for coconut-plucking, AI-based farm machinery

This year’s edition of University of Agricultural Sciences-Bengaluru’s Krishi Mela, on the theme “Climate smart digital farming”, will feature various innovative technologies, including drones for plucking coconuts and other farm operations, AI-based semi-automated tractors, and robotic technology-based machineries.

This year’s edition of University of Agricultural Sciences-Bengaluru’s Krishi Mela, on the theme “Climate smart digital farming”, will feature various innovative technologies, including drones for plucking coconuts and other farm operations, AI-based semi-automated tractors, and robotic technology-based machineries.

The four-day Krishi Mela, which will be held at the University’s GKVK campus in Bengaluru from November 14, will present some technologies which are said to have been developed for the first time in the country.

Briefing media persons at the preview of the proposed Krishi Mela on Tuesday, UAS-B Vice-chancellor S.V. Suresha said there will be a separate experimental plot to demonstrate the working of digital farm machineries. Pointing out that some of these technologies were already in use, he said the university scientists had developed specific protocols for their applications.

He said the mela would also attempt to create awareness among farmers about climate smart technologies developed by the university, aimed at insulating farmers from the vagaries of nature.

Pointing out that already a Centre for Innovation and Development in Smart Agriculture (CIDSA) had been set up in the university to provide a boost for application of digital technologies in farming, he said the university was ready to train interested persons, including engineering students, if their colleges opt for it.

In addition to digital technologies, the mela will present demonstration of live crops on a 20-acre plot, demonstration of integrated farming systems, exhibition of farm machinery, display by over 700 stalls, and demonstration of methods of using renewable energy in farming.

Animal husbandry too has been given importance with exhibition of various breeds of cattle including desi varieties. The mela will have demonstration of fisheries including ornamental fish, poultry, use of bio-fuel, demonstration of “potential” crops that are yet to become popular despite their high nutrient content and farmer-to-farmer-scientist interactions among things, Dr. Suresha said.