Bridging the gap between farmers and urban dwellers

The Krishimela 2024, organised by the University of Agricultural Sciences Bengaluru from November 14 to 17 at the GKVK premises, stood out as a significant platform to raise awareness about organic farming and foster meaningful connections between farmers and urban residents. The event, celebrating its Diamond Jubilee with the theme “Climate Smart Digital Agriculture,” highlighted sustainable practices and technological advancements in agriculture while promoting the importance of ecofriendly farming.

The mela served as a rare opportunity for urban residents to interact directly with farmers, cutting out middlemen and gaining firsthand insights into the realities of agricultural life. Visitors explored stalls offering organic produce, seeds, and plants, many of which are not commonly found in the city. This interaction allowed urbanites to better understand the effort and dedication that goes into growing the food on their plates. Speaking to News Trail, Somshekar, a home gardener and plant enthusiast, expressed his excitement: “This is a lovely opportunity for people like us. Here, we get seeds for our gardens and plants that we don’t usually find anywhere else in the city. As awareness about organic farming grows, people are beginning to understand the importance of agriculture. Being the grandson of a farmer, I see this as an amazing chance for city folks to understand what goes beyond their kitchen.”

The fair not only showcased innovations but also created a space for discussions about the significance of sustainable and organic farming practices. Stall owners noted a striking shift in public interest in recent years. While attendance had declined after 2014-2015, the COVID-19 pandemic sparked a renewed enthusiasm for organic and healthy food. “People are more aware now about what they consume and how it’s grown,” remarked a stall owner. “This has led to a surge in demand for organic produce and greater participation in events like Krishimela.” The pandemic acted as a wake-up call, inspiring both urban and rural people to consider the benefits of chemical- free farming. Events like Krishimela serve as a crucial platform for spreading this awareness and encouraging individuals to embrace sustainable lifestyles.

The fair featured over 700 stalls, including innovative technologies like AI-operated sprinklers, app-controlled solar equipment and multispectral drones for yield monitoring. Robotic tools like boom sprayers and automated bird scarers also garnered attention. Despite these technological attractions, the spotlight remained on the accessibility of organic farming tools, seeds and practices that could empower small-scale farmers and home gardeners alike.