Fri Nov 15 01:36:00 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka’s Krishi Mela Showcases Tech-Driven Future of Farming

**Bengaluru, November 15, 2024:** The annual Krishi Mela, held at the Gandhi Krishi Vignan Kendra in Bengaluru, concluded yesterday, highlighting the growing role of technology in transforming traditional farming practices. This year’s event, themed “Climate Smart Digital Farming,” showcased a wide range of cutting-edge innovations aimed at boosting productivity and sustainability.

Over 700 stalls displayed an impressive array of agricultural tools, including AI-powered sprinklers, app-controlled solar equipment, and multi-spectral drones for yield monitoring. Robotics technologies such as boom sprayers and automated bird scarers also drew significant interest from visiting farmers.

One of the star attractions was ‘Nero,’ a device developed by Bengaluru-based company Fyllo. This technology, equipped with built-in sensors, provides real-time alerts on soil quality, temperature, and other environmental factors, helping farmers maintain crops like pomegranates, grapes, papayas, and carnations.

Mewin Technology demonstrated an app that allows farmers to control motors and pumps remotely, eliminating the need for physical presence and monitoring pump pressure.

Several farmers at the Mela shared how these advancements have improved their yields. Anand, a farmer from Mandya, spoke of adopting new technologies like hybrid seeds and sprinklers, leading to a significant boost in his farm’s productivity.

However, not everyone was enthused. Some farmers expressed concerns about the high cost of these innovations, deeming them inaccessible for small-scale farmers.

Addressing the event, Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy stressed the importance of integrating modern technology for sustainable and profitable farming. He outlined the government’s initiatives to support farmers, including distributing machinery and irrigation equipment worth ₹1,000 crore with subsidies, providing ₹2,100 crore in direct cash transfers as crop insurance, and implementing a Hi-Tech Harvester Hub scheme.

The Krishi Mela served as a platform for showcasing the potential of technology to revolutionize agriculture in Karnataka, raising crucial discussions about accessibility and the future of farming in the state.

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