Three-Day Regional Agriculture Fair Concludes
Udaipur: The Regional Agriculture Fair, organized jointly by Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, concluded successfully. Dr. Suresh Dhakad, MLA Begu and Chief Guest of the closing ceremony, addressed the farmers, emphasizing the importance of organic farming, traditional knowledge, and encouraging rural communities to become self-reliant.
Dr. Dhakad urged farmers to begin change at home by cultivating vegetables and crops for personal use, reducing dependence on the market. He also appreciated reforms in MGNREGA and suggested that farming activities involve family members, creating employment at home and reducing reliance on external labor. He recommended that such agricultural fairs should be held annually in every district of Rajasthan and assured the government of his proposal. He lauded the work of agricultural universities, scientists, and officials, emphasizing that technological innovations succeed only when they reach farmers.
Special Guest, Mr. Tarachand Jain, MLA, Udaipur City, addressed the gathering of farmers, elected representatives, academicians, and officials. He emphasized that farmers should receive full benefits of their labor. Due to intermediaries and rising costs, farmers often fail to get expected income. He suggested that using traditional methods like cow dung fertilizer, organic manure, and natural resources can reduce costs and increase profits.
Dr. Pratap Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, chaired the program and advised farmers to approach district agricultural science centers for problem-solving. He encouraged the formation of Farmer Producer Groups for better marketing, quality, packaging, and branding. Women farmers were urged to form self-help groups to ensure economic empowerment. Small-scale farmers were advised to establish custom hiring centers to maximize the use of modern machinery.
At the start of the event, dignitaries visited various stalls at the fair, observed the exhibited techniques, and provided suggestions. The closing ceremony was attended by Mr. Ashok Kumar, Dr. Arvind Verma, Dr. Dhriti Solanki, Dr. Manoj Kumar Mahla, Dr. Sunil Joshi, Mrs. Nidhi Dhakad, and other esteemed guests.
Dr. R.L. Soni, Director of Extension Education, stated that more than 10,000 farmers from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa participated in the three-day fair. Co-coordinator Dr. Rajiv Bairathi presented a brief report of the events organized during the fair. Dr. Soni expressed gratitude to farmers, guests, organizers, participants, and the press for their contributions. The program was conducted by Dr. Vishakha Bansal.
Farmer-Scientist Interaction: Practical Solutions for Farmers
A Farmer-Scientist Dialogue was held to address farmers’ queries on crop production, pest and disease management, advanced technologies, organic farming, and marketing. Scientists including Dr. Virendra Singh, Dr. N.L. Meena, Dr. C.M. Balai, Dr. C.M. Yadav, Dr. Ravikant Sharma, Dr. M.L. Ojha, Dr. Hemant Swami, and Dr. Shravan Yadav provided practical, easy-to-implement solutions.
Key Questions from Farmers:
• Rodent issues in wheat crops
• Lack of flowering in mango trees
• No flowering in lemon trees
• Pests in pomegranate fruits
• Knots in opium roots
• Citrus crop concerns
• Certification courses for natural farming
• Animal damage in fields
Scientists answered all questions based on departmental expertise, offering immediate practical guidance. Farmers appreciated the session and expressed the need for such interactions regularly.
Crop, Fruit, and Vegetable Display Competition
Farmers demonstrating outstanding performance were awarded:
• First Prize: 27 farmers
• Second Prize: 19 farmers
This included winners in 26 vegetable varieties, 10 crops, and 10 fruits.
Awards and Recognition at the Agriculture Fair
• 105 stalls from various universities, companies, and agricultural science centers were classified into six categories.
• 21 awards were presented for First, Second, and Consolation prizes.
• 34 farmers were also awarded cash prizes through a lucky draw.
Recognition of Press and Media
Journalists present during the fair were honored with certificates of appreciation for their contribution in effectively communicating agricultural innovations to farmers.
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