BRIEF REPORT ON KISAN MELA (12-13 APRIL, 2025)

   The two-day Kisan Mela held at Eternal University, Badu Sahib commenced with a soulful rendition of devotional music by the students, invoking blessings from Baba Dr. Davinder Singh Ji. The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries including the Dr. Jaswinder Singh (Vice- Chancellor), Dr. H.S. Dhaliwal (Former Vice-Chancellor), Dr. T.S. Banipal (Dean Academic Affairs), Dr. Sunita Chandel (Kisan Mela Coordinator  & Dean Dr. KSGACA) and Dr. Surjan Singh (Registrar) who collectively inaugurated the event with ceremonial lamp lighting. 

The two-day Kisan Mela was organized with the aim of promoting agricultural awareness, innovation and farmer-scientist interaction. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 500 farmers, students and agricultural stakeholder’s (viz. Syngenta, Biostadt India Ltd, Mankind Pharma Ltd and Godrej Cattle Feed, Solar etc). from nearby regions of Sirmaur district, H.P

The Kisan Mela featured over 35 stalls, including those displaying agricultural technologies, innovations, tools and machinery, organic farming products and food items. Notably, this year saw the introduction of a new stall by the Department of Agricultural Extension & Communication, which served as an important knowledge-sharing platform. The stall focused on disseminating scientific information, improved practices, government schemes and ICT-based advisory services among the farming community. The Department of Horticulture showcased various horticultural crops and sold seedlings. Food Technology students presented value-added products using local resources like rhododendron, kachnar, millets and pickles. Plant Pathology students displayed mushroom cultivation techniques (white button, oyster and shiitake) and disease samples of local crops with potential solutions. Chemistry students exhibited handmade sanitizers and soaps.

A moment of pride during the Mela was the facilitation of Shrimati Krishna Devi, a progressive woman farmer from Nehar Sawar village under Challana Panchayat, District Sirmaur. She was honored with a cash prize of ₹10,000 and a certificate of appreciation for her outstanding contributions to sustainable and innovative farming practices.

The Department of Agronomy secured the First Prize for presenting various innovative agricultural practices, the Second Prize was awarded to the Department of Genetics, Plant Breeding & Biotechnology for displaying a wide range of seeds and genetically modified crops and bio-fertilizer formulation while the Third Prize went to the Department of Food Technology for exhibiting value-added products made from local resources such as rhododendron, kachnar, millets and a variety of pickles.

The event created a vibrant environment for knowledge exchange, showcasing farmer-friendly technologies and interactive sessions with experts. However, Dr. Saurav Chauhan (Expert) from Animal Husbandry also elucidated the significance of Animal Health Management in a single platform for sharing.  It provided a valuable opportunity for farmers to explore innovative agricultural practices and network with agricultural scientists, extension personnel and input suppliers.

The success of the Kisan Mela reflected the growing interest of farmers and students in sustainable and modern agricultural practices. The organizing team expressed their commitment to continuing such initiatives for the betterment of rural communities and agricultural development.

Interaction and various activities depicted during Kisan Mela -2025