The University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) in Bangalore will showcase 10 varieties of new crops in the forthcoming Krishi Mela (Agri Expo) in Bangalore.
All these varieties developed in recent times have unique features, said UAS vice-chancellor PC Chengappa. The new inventions include a high-yielding drought-tolerant and disease resistant variety of ragi, christened ML-365, a hybrid and high oil-yielding variety of sunflower, under the identification of KRSH-53 and paddy suitable for aerobic cultivation.
The mela that will be organised from November 13 to 16 will also showcase the field demonstration of a pest-resistant variety of sugarcane, which is good for making jaggery. Among other new crops, disease resistant tobacco, green gram that can resist the hellow mosaic virus, medicinal coleus used in the management of hypertension, cardiac problems and dermatitis, high-yielding variety of green chilli, hybrid fodder and forage cowpea will also be showcased.
Field demonstration of crops could be seen on the 1,400-acre UAS campus to help farmers adopt the latest farming techniques and crop varieties, the vice-chancellor said. He said the crop demonstrations include soya bean and a new variety of field beans that can be grown in all seasons without a loss of flavour.
He said about four lakh farmers are expected to visit the Krishi Mela this year. The agri expo will focus primarily on organic farming this year, as farmers are keen on knowing techniques to move towards chemical-free agriculture. Five hundred reputed agri business firms and government institutions will participate in the mela.