The pioneering campaign in the form of Krishi Mahotsav was initiated by former Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Narendra Modiji in the year 2005–06 for the development of agriculture which set a new direction for the entire country.
The slogan of this campaign was “Agricultural Scientists at the Doorstep of Farmers.” To realize this vision, agricultural scientists and officers from the Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development visited villages across the state of Gujarat for one month through specially arranged Krishi Rath.
The village-level meetings were organized to provide farmers with information on new technologies and improved farming practices related to agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors during Krishi Mahotsav. Along with this, solutions to agriculture-related problems were provided in the villages and detailed information about various government schemes was disseminated. Due to the overwhelming public support received for this new approach in 2005–06, Krishi Mahotsav has since been organized every year with different themes and objectives.
During Krishi Mahotsav, Agricultural fairs, exhibitions, seminars, and lectures are organized, through which experts from agricultural universities provide information on new technologies and improved farming practices of agriculture, horticulture, and allied fields. Agricultural experts also guide farmers in resolving their farming-related problems. As a result of Krishi Mahotsav, farmers have adopted scientific farming and improved animal husbandry practices. Moreover, strong linkages have been established between agricultural scientists and the farming community, ensuring continuous interaction and communication. The state has achieved remarkable progress in agriculture and allied sectors.
ACTIVITIES DURING KRISHI MAHOTSAV
- Organization of Agriculture fairs and Agriculture exhibition at districts and taluka level
- Junagadh Agricultural University organizes krishi gosthis, seminars and demonstrations on various aspects like scientific animal farming, greenhouses, net house, micro irrigation, organic farming etc. at either university farms or at farmers’ fields. These activities are arranged in coordination with APMC and line departments; etc.
- Celebration of event in the villages with Krishi rath in which scientists and officers of line departments explains the information about new agricultural practices and new government schemes to the farmers
- Kit distribution for agriculture inputs, planting materials and animal husbandry medicines
- Collection of soil and water samples and issue of Soil Health Card
- Demonstration of farming tools, drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, high tech agriculture and provide personal guidance to the farmers
- Distribution of literature in form of leaflets, booklets and folders about new agricultural and animal husbandry practices as well as different schemes of agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fisheries and allied fields
- Competition about healthy animals and animal health camps
- Animal vaccination, Artificial Insemination, awareness about improved animal husbandry practices and clean milk production.
- Awareness about Farmer credit card scheme and other bankable schemes.
- Awareness about water conservation, well recharging, small check dam, , village pond, farm pod, cleanliness campaign.
