Raitha Dasara started in Mysuru on Friday as bullock carts rolled through the streets. Farmers from around the district showcased their strength with tractors and folk art. The three-day event focuses on women farmers and technical discussions. Organisers will honour ten farmers and ten women for their contributions to agriculture.
Amidst distress of farmers across the State due to drought conditions, Raitha Dasara began with the rural charm as bullock cart rolled through the streets of Mysuru city on Friday.
Showcasing the strength of agrarian sector, farmers from in and around Mysuru district participated in procession featuring bullocks, tractors, crop cutting machine, paddy baler, Dollu Kunitha, folk art, tribal art and other displays. The procession commenced at Kote Anjaneya Swamy Temple premises and proceeded to J.K. Ground. Minister for Agriculture P.M. Narendraswamy flagged off the procession.
The three-day event, themed around International Year of the Women Farmer got under way with focus on technical discussion involving progressive farmers and scientists.
Hemalatha, an award-winning farmer from Malavalli, Mandya, shared her experience on how agriculture had made her self-reliant. Farmer Krishnegowda from Varuna Hobli spoke about his experience in Integrated Animal Husbandry.
As part of the technical session, Sudha Sandeep, a farmer from Hunsur was scheduled to speak on Empowerment of Women in Farming, while Parbhuswamy, a farmer from Hosakote was to discuss on Integrated Farming System and Sumanth Kumar, a scientist from Organic Farming Research Centre will discuss on Effect of El Nino, according to the organisers.
Raitha Dasara Sub Committee will honour the 10 farmers for their contributions to Integrated farming, horticulture, sericulture, fisheries and forestry. Ten women farmers will also be felicitated during the event.
The three-day event was inaugurated by the District in-charge Minister Yathindra Siddharamaiah, followed by cultural performances featuring the rural talent. Devajana Geetha, known for her mimicking the sounds of several birds enthralled the audience, while Neralu Women troupe presented Dollu Kunita.
As part of Raitha Dasara, a State level cow milking contest will be held on Saturday at 5:30 a.m. Dog/pet show will be held on Sunday at 10 a.m.
A fisheries exhibition was held as part of Raitha Dasara featuring modern technologies in aquaculture including Biofloc technology and Recirculator Aquaculture System(RAS), besides a Cage Culture fish farm. The expo features a variety of ornamental fishes/aquarium fishes including Malawi cichlids, Giant Gowrami, Mashes, Salvin and Oscar fish.
Fish gears and crafts, fish by-products and information about various fisheries scheme are also on display.