From Soil to Sustainability: Krushak Sahayogi Mela Unites Farmers, Science & Innovation

Under the open skies of rural Odisha, where the rhythm of agriculture shapes everyday life, Kandarpur in Athagarh became the stage for a powerful celebration of farming knowledge, innovation and collective aspiration. The Krushak Sahayogi Mela unfolded not merely as an event, but as a movement- bringing together tradition and science, experience and innovation, hope and opportunity. With the participation of nearly 500 farmers, the mela stood as a dramatic reminder that sustainable agriculture flourishes best when farmers are empowered, informed and supported through shared learning and collaboration.

Organized on 20 February 2026 at Kandarpur, Athagarh, Cuttack, the mela emerged as an important platform fostering direct interaction between farmers, scientists, academicians and administrators. The gathering focused strongly on promoting organic and sustainable practices suitable for agricultural and horticultural crops, addressing both present challenges and future possibilities. Farmers from nearby villages arrived with curiosity and enthusiasm, transforming the venue into a vibrant hub of discussion, demonstration and discovery.

The exhibition was ceremoniously inaugurated by Prahlad Narayan Sharma, Sub Collector, Athagarh in the gracious presence of Kalyani Khatua, Sarpanch of Kandarpur. Their presence symbolized a strong bond between administrative leadership and grassroots governance, reinforcing the message that farmer welfare and sustainable development remain shared priorities. The inauguration marked the beginning of an engaging journey through innovation-driven stalls and practical learning spaces.

A major attraction of the mela was the series of well-designed exhibition stalls established by Experiential Learning Programme students. These stalls showcased advanced agricultural and horticultural practices, models on pest and disease management, climate-resilient techniques and a variety of value-added agricultural products.

The exhibits reflected not only academic excellence but also field-level relevance, enabling farmers to visualize practical solutions that could be readily adopted in their own farms. The interactive nature of these stalls encouraged farmers to ask questions, share experiences, and explore new ideas with confidence.

The programme gained further momentum with the inspiring address of the Chief Guest, Ipsita Priyadarshini Mishra, Additional District Magistrate (Development), Cuttack. In her speech, she passionately urged farmers to embrace modern agricultural technologies and integrated pest and disease management strategies as essential tools for enhancing productivity, profitability, and sustainability. Her message underscored the importance of informed decision-making and innovation in building resilient farming systems capable of withstanding economic and climatic uncertainties.

As Guest of Honour, Prahlad Narayan Sharma emphasized the vital role of continuous government support and farmer–scientist collaboration in driving sustainable agricultural development. He highlighted that events like the Krushak Sahayogi Mela serve as effective bridges between research institutions, policy frameworks, and farming communities, ensuring that scientific advancements reach the fields where they matter most.

The formal programme concluded with thoughtful closing remarks by S. Kumaraswamy, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture. He appreciated the collective effort behind the successful organization of the mela and stressed the importance of experiential learning, outreach activities, and student involvement in strengthening agricultural extension. 

Special appreciation and gratitude were extended to Subhrajyoti Panda, Coordinator of the programme and the dedicated ELP students, whose commitment and meticulous planning played a pivotal role in the smooth execution of the event.

The mela continued with a technical session and panel discussion that added significant depth and substance to the programme. Centered on integrated pest and disease management strategies and advanced techniques in agricultural and horticultural crops, the session addressed real-world challenges faced by farmers. 

The panel featured Hara Prasad Mishra, former Professor and Head, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, along with Bhagaban Dash, former Deputy Director of Horticulture, Government of Odisha. 

Their expert insights on integrated pest management, disease control, climate-resilient agriculture and modern technological interventions sparked active participation, as farmers raised practical queries and gained valuable clarity on field-level solutions.

In essence, the Krushak Sahayogi Mela at Kandarpur transcended the boundaries of a conventional agricultural exhibition. It evolved into a powerful forum for knowledge exchange, inspiration and collective growth, strengthening the foundation for sustainable agriculture and horticulture in the region. By uniting farmers, scientists, students and administrators under a shared vision, the programme left a lasting impression, one that promises to nurture progress, resilience and prosperity in rural farming communities.