Second Day of the Three-Day Regional Agricultural Fair
Farmers Are the Foundation of a Developed India – Shri Bhagirath Choudhary
Udaipur: On the second day of the Regional Agricultural Fair jointly organized by Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology and the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, the chief guest, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, emphasized that such agricultural fairs provide farmers with valuable information on improved seeds, modern technologies, and marketing strategies, which help increase production and strengthen farmers’ economic conditions.
He stated that in the changing climate scenario, the biggest concerns for farmers range from seed germination to crop harvesting and safe storage. Stressing the importance of environmental balance, he advocated organic farming and urged farmers to avoid the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides. He also called upon agricultural scientists to make greater efforts to effectively disseminate new technologies, improved varieties, and modern farming practices to farmers through agricultural fairs.
Shri Choudhary said that farmers, who feed millions of people, are the pride of the nation. Climate change has emerged as a major challenge for agriculture, and scientific research along with farmer awareness is essential to address this issue. On this occasion, he informed farmers about various farmer-friendly schemes of the Central Government, including the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Soil Health Card, Natural Farming, and Crop Insurance schemes, and appealed to them to follow scientific advisories, get soil testing done, and adopt natural and sustainable farming practices.
Director of ICAR–Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Dr. Arun Kumar Tomar, said that such events motivate farmers to strengthen their economic condition, adopt scientific technologies, and increase their income. He urged farmers to integrate traditional knowledge with science to improve agriculture and animal husbandry. Dr. Tomar emphasized that agriculture plays a crucial role in building a developed and self-reliant India.
At the beginning of the program, the Agriculture Minister visited various stalls at the fair, reviewed the displayed technologies, and shared his suggestions. During the exhibition visit, Vice Chancellor Dr. Pratap Singh provided detailed information to the chief guest about the advanced crop varieties developed by the university. He informed that varieties such as Pratap Hybrid Maize-6, Pratap Sorghum-2510, Chetak Opium, Pratap Asalia-1, Pratap Isabgol-1, Pratap Ashwagandha-1, and Pratap Groundnut-4 have proven beneficial for farmers. The Vice Chancellor further stated that maize is the major crop of the Mewar region, and keeping this in view, the university is running a parental seed production program for the popular hybrid variety “Pratap Hybrid Maize-6” at the university level. In the future, hybrid seeds will be made available to farmers through the Rajasthan State Seeds Corporation.
On the second day of the fair, Shri Phool Singh Meena, MLA, Udaipur Rural; Shri B. R. Choudhary, former MLA; Dr. S. K. Sharma, Assistant Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi; Shri Krishna Murari Bharti, Seed Head, All India Kisan Sangh; Dr. Niranjan Singh Rathore, Additional Director (Agriculture); Dr. Sudhir Verma, Joint Director (Agriculture), and several other dignitaries were present.
At the outset, Chief Organizing Secretary and Director, Extension Education, Dr. R. L. Soni delivered the welcome address and provided detailed information about the technical sessions scheduled for the day and the following day. Dr. Yogesh Kanojia proposed the vote of thanks. The program was conducted by Dr. Vishakha Bansal and Mrs. Jay Mala Dave.
Release of Technical Booklet and Felicitations
On this occasion, a booklet titled “Successful Agricultural Entrepreneur”, authored by Dr. R. L. Solanki, Agricultural Scientist, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chittorgarh, was released. During the program, Shri Piyush Sharma, Editor of Haladhar Times, was honored with a certificate of appreciation for his significant contribution and for effectively conveying agricultural innovations to farmers. Additionally, Mrs. Shobha, a successful agricultural entrepreneur from Maharashtra, was honored for her organic turmeric powder.
Key Lectures
Various subject experts delivered informative and useful lectures for farmers during the fair. These lectures covered modern agricultural technologies, animal husbandry, and various aspects of income enhancement. Dr. Manjeet Singh highlighted the importance of soil and water conservation in agriculture. Dr. Vikramaditya Dave explained the use of artificial intelligence in smart farming systems. Dr. C. M. Yadav shared insights on advanced goat farming. Dr. Siddharth Mishra explained the benefits of backyard poultry farming. Dr. H. L. Bugalia emphasized the importance of vaccination in livestock. Dr. N. L. Panwar delivered a lecture on the effective use of renewable energy sources to increase farm income. Dr. H. P. Meghwal described beekeeping as a profitable business for generating additional income.
Major Attractions of the Fair
Display of New Agricultural Technologies:
The fair showcased advanced agricultural technologies and innovations, including soil and water conservation practices, hi-tech horticulture, drone technology, solar energy systems, advanced poultry farming, and improved varieties of maize, opium, isabgol, ashwagandha, asalia, guar, and groundnut. Products such as modern agricultural implements for farm women, coarse grain-based products, and herbal gulal were also displayed and widely appreciated by farmers.
Cultural Programs:
Farmers from various states presented cultural programs during the fair. Folk songs, folk dances, and performances carrying messages related to agricultural life beautifully reflected rural culture and traditions. Through their regional folk arts, farmers showcased agricultural practices, the bond with nature, and the importance of hard work. These cultural presentations added vibrancy to the fair and attracted the audience. Public representatives, officials, and visitors appreciated the programs and described them as inspiring.
Farmer–Scientist Interaction:
A farmer–scientist interaction program was organized to address farmers’ agricultural problems and queries. Farmers raised questions related to crop production, pest and disease management, advanced technologies, organic farming, and marketing, which were answered by scientists in a simple and practical manner. Scientists including Dr. M. Ramesh Babu, Dr. Virendra Singh, Dr. N. L. Meena, Dr. H. K. Sharma, Dr. C. M. Yadav, Dr. Yogesh Kanojia, and Dr. Hemant Swami participated and guided the farmers. Farmers found the program extremely useful.
Crop, Fruit, Flower, and Vegetable Exhibition Competition:
Under this competition, 84 farmers were honored with first and second prizes for outstanding displays. These included 54 vegetable growers, 14 crop growers, 12 fruit growers, and 4 flower growers.
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