Kisan Mela a hit among Covid-hit farmers

The Covid-19 pandemic has forced farmers to opt for commercial farming as means to increase earnings in limited land.

The indication to this effect was visible at the ongoing Kisan Mela organised at Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) where farmers from all corners of the country could be seen demanding saplings, training and support.

At the mela, farmers are being introduced to new technologies and research in the field of aromatic farming, a sector which has shown consistent rise in last decade.

“We have seen around 60 % rise in requests from farmers for high quality seeds of Aromatic crops, training in Aromatic farming and other support during the Kisan Mela this year. This shows that farmers are more inclined towards taking up aromatic farming,” said Prabodh Kumar Trivedi, director, CIMAP.

Praveen Rai, a 39-year-old farmer from Shrawasti district of eastern UP is one such farmer who have requested for training support and saplings of menthol crop, a popular aromatic crop grown commercially.

“I came to know about the Kisan Mela from a friend in the village. I came here to learn about aromatic farming so that

I could increase my earnings. I have two younger brothers who use to work in Delhi and lost their job in pandemic. They have now returned home. Taking up commercial farming can help to support our family,” Rai said.

The institute distributes tons of high-quality saplings to farmers like Rai during the Kisan Mela each year. Experts at the institute also conduct short training programmes for farmers and inform them about various government policies which they can use to start aromatic farming.

The 20-day long Kisan Mela started in January 15 and will conclude on February 5.

Considering the Covid-19 pandemic, the institute only allows 100 farmers to visit the fair every day.

“In just six days, close to 100 new farmers have approached us with plans of starting aromatic farming. Our experts are helping each one of them in the venture,” said the director.

New technologies and products which are displayed at the mela are another attraction that draws farmers. Suryakant Singh, 34, a farmer from Rae Bareli visited the Kisan Mela on Wednesday looking for new sprinklers for his 2-acre aromatic farm. “I am planning to expand my farm from the upcoming season. I will install new sprinklers at my farm to reduce water usage,” Rai said.