Almost 4000 farmers, both men and women, were introduced to new agricultural technology at a 2-day 'Krishi Mela' and 'Pre Rabi Samelan' at Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Ambujanagar recently — an initiative held in collaboration with the Farmer Training Center, Junagadh.
Various technologically oriented projects of Krishi Vigyan Kendra were showcased at the event. Farmers from Junagadh, Gir Somnath and Amreli districts participated in this mega event.
The exhibition consisted of 34 stalls by agencies, institutions, government departments and community-based organizations, where farmers could peruse and learn about various seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, drip irrigation, plastic mulching, solar systems, jatka fencing, tractors, agricultural implements, biological medicine for animals, ayurvedic medicine, organic farming products and various household products which were demonstrated during the two days of this event.
During this two-day event, different role plays took place to highlight safety measures while spraying pesticides, demonstrate the impact of high-density plantation of cotton and teach farmers how to use different drudgery reduction tools.
Innovative farmers also shared their own experiences:
- Shri Haresh Baraiya – Use of solar system
- Shri Dineshbhai Solanki – Cow-based farming
- Shri Jethabhai Jotva – Organic farming in horticultural crops
- Ms Shardaben Dobariya – Animal rearing
The District Collector of Gir Somnath, Shri Ajay Prakash, was the chief guest and said, “The Agricultural University must adopt some of the technologies exhibited. We should initiate a plan to grow crops as per climate change and improve crop quality by adopting organic farming methods, drip irrigation and various improved technologies.”
In the closing ceremony, Shri R. T. Rathod, Senior Scientist & Head, thanked farmers, exhibitors and various organizations like FTC-Junagadh, ATMA Project - Gir Somnath & Junagadh, GHCL Foundation - Sutrapada, Jan Seva Trust - Veraval and ICICI Foundation - Kodinar for their support and participation in this mega celebration — motivating farmers to move to new innovations.
