Mysuru: The Department of Agriculture has begun preparations for Raitha-Grameena Dasara 2026, with the three-day event scheduled to be held from October 16 to 18 at JK Grounds in Mysuru.
The annual event will focus on showcasing modern agricultural practices, farm machinery, improved livestock breeds and technologies that can help farmers improve productivity and adapt to changing farming conditions.
The Raitha Dasara subcommittee is also planning a series of demonstrations, exhibitions and interactions with progressive farmers to make the event useful for cultivators from across the district and other parts of the State.
Progressive farmers to share experience
As part of this year’s programme, the Agriculture Department plans to invite progressive and successful farmers to deliver lectures and share their experiences with other farmers.
The sessions are intended to motivate cultivators and provide practical information on farming methods, crop management and the adoption of modern agricultural technologies.
The organisers are also planning to felicitate progressive farmers and other outstanding personalities who have contributed to the agriculture sector.
Modern farm machinery to be displayed
An exhibition of modern agricultural tools and machinery is expected to be one of the major attractions of Raitha-Grameena Dasara.
The expo will include demonstrations and displays of upgraded sugarcane harvesters and paddy harvesters, particularly for the benefit of sugarcane and paddy growers.
The machinery exhibition is intended to familiarise farmers with mechanised solutions that can reduce dependence on manual labour and improve efficiency during harvesting operations.
The organisers are also planning demonstrations and displays covering various aspects of modern agriculture so that farmers can understand the practical applications of new technologies.
Focus on improved livestock breeds
Livestock and poultry will form another important part of the event.
The Agriculture Department plans to showcase modern sheep and goat breeds, including Beetal and Jamunapuri varieties. The breeds are known for their tall and leggy appearance, Roman noses and long pendulous ears.
The highly priced Bandur sheep variety will also be displayed during the event.
Among cattle breeds, visitors will be able to see Hallikar, Gir and Ongole varieties. The livestock exhibition is intended to provide farmers with information about different breeds and their characteristics.
Poultry rearing demonstrations
The event will also feature demonstrations on the rearing of different varieties of chickens.
These include Kadaknath, Aseel, Gowajalahakki and Giriraja varieties, among others.
The demonstrations are expected to provide farmers with information on poultry rearing practices and the potential of diversified livestock activities as an additional source of income.
By bringing different livestock and poultry varieties together at the venue, the organisers aim to expose farmers to options that could be considered alongside conventional crop cultivation.
Information on sericulture, dairy and fisheries
Visitors to Raitha-Grameena Dasara will also receive information on modern methods of cocoon rearing for silk production.
Information and demonstrations related to dairy farming and fish farming are also being planned as part of the agricultural exhibition.
The inclusion of these activities is aimed at highlighting opportunities for integrated and diversified farming, allowing farmers to explore different agricultural and allied activities based on their resources and local conditions.
Demonstrations on drought-resistant crops
The Raitha Dasara subcommittee is also planning demonstrations on drought-resistant crops.
The initiative is intended to educate farmers about crop choices and cultivation methods that can be considered during drought situations.
With water availability being an important factor affecting agricultural production, the demonstrations are expected to focus on practical options that farmers can adopt when facing dry conditions.
State-level milking contest planned
Apart from the exhibitions and educational programmes, a state-level milking contest has also been planned as part of this year’s Raitha-Grameena Dasara celebrations.
The contest is expected to add an element of competition to the agricultural festival while highlighting dairy farming and livestock management.
The programme will also include the felicitation of progressive farmers and outstanding personalities from the agriculture sector.
Free buses for selected farmers
Raitha Dasara Subcommittee working president and Joint Director of Agriculture K H Ravi said arrangements were being planned to facilitate the participation of selected farmers from different taluks.
According to Ravi, the committee is planning to operate a free bus service from every taluk to bring selected farmers to the Raitha Dasara venue. One bus will be arranged from each taluk.
The arrangement is aimed at enabling farmers from across the district to attend the event and participate in the exhibitions, demonstrations and other programmes.
Grand procession to mark inauguration
A grand procession has been planned to mark the inauguration of Raitha-Grameena Dasara on October 16.
The procession will begin at Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple and will form part of the opening celebrations at JK Grounds.
With its combination of modern farm machinery, livestock exhibitions, farmer interactions, agricultural demonstrations and cultural activities, Raitha-Grameena Dasara is expected to provide a platform for farmers to learn about new practices while celebrating the contribution of the agriculture sector.
The three-day event from October 16 to 18 will bring together farmers, agriculture officials, experts and members of the public as part of Mysuru’s wider Dasara celebrations.