It will be a kumbh of different dimension when farmers and agricultural scientists from across the country will converge on Lucknow on Friday to brainstorm for three days to chalk out a strategy to double farmers’ income.
This agri-meet — Krishi Kumbh 2018 — will also be attended by representatives of Haryana and Jharkhand as partner States. Japan and Israel will also work as partner countries and share technical know-how with Indian farmers, particularly on water conservation.
Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi said that the aim of the Krishi Kumbh was to promote modern technique and diversification in agriculture that could help farmers double their income.
Over 1,00,000 farmers, scientists, experts and entrepreneurs are expected to take part in the three-day event.
“The Krishi Kumbh will unfold all aspects of rural economy like agriculture, horticulture, dairy, pisciculture, beekeeping, food processing, animal husbandry and farm implements to provide a holistic picture to farmers for increasing their income,” Shahi said while speaking to media persons in Lucknow on Thursday.
The UP Agriculture Minister said the summit would introduce farmers to the evolving dynamics of farming so that they could increase their earnings by tapping the vast potential in agriculture and post-harvest management of crops.
The Krishi Kumbh will have 14 sessions, the first being on Indo-Israel partnership where deliberations will be held on equitable development and delivery services system with focus on water management.
The second session will be on agriculture policy and reform for higher and sustainable farmers’ income. It will focus on diversification in farm sector for better profits to farmers.
The third session will be on integrated farming system and organic farming. It aims to educate farmers about organic farming. Farmers will be encouraged to take up vegetable and fruit growing and horticulture through organic methods.
There will be other sessions like trade policy and export promotion, management of farm produce, technical intervention in agriculture and possible startups.
One session each will be dedicated to Bundelkhand and eastern UP in which discussions will veer around how farmers could increase their income.
One session will be dedicated to animal husbandry, poultry and fisheries.
Besides, the impact of environment will also be discussed at Krishi Kumbh. Farmers will also be taught about options to get finances and institutions to help them. In other sessions, storage of grains will be discussed.
Shahi said that big companies working in farm sectors like Escort, Sonalika, Mahindra and Mahindra, Shaktiman, Tafe and VST Tiller had agreed to set up their stalls at the summit.