ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Research Centre, Ballari organized a “Kisan Mela” on 4th September, 2023 at Mattajanahalli village adopted under TSP located in Sandur taluk of Ballari district. More than 60 farmers from TSP and SCSP village participated in the Kisan Mela. The programme was presided by Dr. M. Madhu, Hon'ble Director, ICAR-IISWC, Dehradun in the presence of chief guest Shri. E. Tukaram, Hon'ble MLA, Sandur taluk. In addition, other guests like Dr. Govindappa, Head, ICAR-KVK, Hagari, Dr. Ravi, Sr. Scientist (Soils), ICAR-KVK, Hagari, Shri. Manjunatha Reddy, Assistant Director of Agriculture (ADA), Sandur and Shri. Tammapa, village leader were present in the programme. Dr. M.N. Ramesha, Scientist (Forestry) welcomed all the guests and farmers participants to the programme.

The programme was started with lighting of lamps and ICAR song. Dr. B.S. Naik, Principal Scientist (SWC Engg.) and Nodal officer, TSP & SCSP project briefed about the programme and explained about various interventions and activities undertaken by ICAR-IISWC, RC Ballari at SCSP and TSP village (Chelumehalli and Mattajanahalli village). During the programme, Dr. M. Prabhavathi, Sr. Scientist & Acting Head of Centre gave the welcome speech in the programme. Dr. Govindappa, addressed the gathering and insisted farmers to adopt rainfed crops particularly improved varieties of millets crops suited to the region for higher yields and farm income. Shri. Manjunatha Reddy, also addressed the gathering and motivated farmers to utilize the existing government schemes available to the farmers for agriculture purpose.

Dr. M. Madhu, Director, addressed all the farmers and participants during Kisan Mela and assured the farmers for continues support for the farming and informed farmers for efficient utilization of existing farm resources for enhancing the crop productivity and food security. Further suggested that all the officers and participants for working with collaborations and linkages for betterment of the farming community. Hon'ble MLA highly appreciated the developmental works by RC, Ballari and assured to extend financial support for construction of Custom Hiring Centre at Matajanahalli village.

On this occasion of Kisan Mela, farm machineries (Sprayers, groundnut threshers, oil press machines and weeders) and hi-tech sewing machines were distributed to TSP and SCSP beneficiaries by Director and other guests. Shri, Timmappa, Village leader of Mattajanahalli expressed his views about the programme and thanked Hon'ble Director and all the Scientists for their cooperation and support to the farmers. The programme was successfully coordinated by all the Scientists with help of other office staff. At the end, Dr. Ravi Dupdal, Sr. Scientist (Agril. Econ.) proposed formal vote of thanks to all the guests and participants.