UDAIPUR, February 8, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran): The second day of the three-day Regional Agricultural Fair, jointly organised by Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology and the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, witnessed a strong focus on sustainable farming, scientific innovation, and farmer welfare.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary said that farmers are the true foundation of a developed India. He stated that agricultural fairs play a vital role in providing farmers with access to improved seeds, modern technologies, and effective marketing strategies, which help increase productivity and strengthen their economic condition.
Highlighting challenges posed by climate change, Choudhary said farmers today face concerns ranging from seed germination to harvesting and safe storage. He stressed the importance of organic farming for environmental balance and cautioned against the excessive use of chemical pesticides. He also urged agricultural scientists to intensify efforts to take new technologies, improved crop varieties, and modern farming practices directly to farmers through such platforms.
The minister informed farmers about key central government schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Soil Health Card, Natural Farming, and Crop Insurance Scheme. He encouraged farmers to adopt scientific farming practices, conduct soil testing, and move towards natural and sustainable agriculture.
ICAR–Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute Director Dr Arun Kumar Tomar said such events motivate farmers to adopt scientific techniques, strengthen their livelihoods, and increase income. He emphasised integrating traditional knowledge with modern science to advance agriculture and animal husbandry, noting that agriculture plays a crucial role in building a developed and self-reliant India.
Earlier, the chief guest visited various stalls at the fair and reviewed the displayed technologies. Vice-Chancellor Dr Pratap Singh briefed him on advanced crop varieties developed by the university, including Pratap Hybrid Maize-6, Pratap Jowar-2510, Chetak Opium, Pratap Asaliya-1, Pratap Isabgol-1, Pratap Ashwagandha-1, and Pratap Groundnut-4. He said that keeping maize as a major crop of the Mewar region in focus, the university is running a parental seed production programme for Pratap Hybrid Maize-6, with plans to supply hybrid seeds to farmers through the Rajasthan State Seed Corporation.
The event was attended by Udaipur Rural MLA Phool Singh Meena, former MLA B.R. Choudhary, ICAR Assistant Director General Dr S.K. Sharma, Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sangh Seed Head Krishan Murari Bharti, Additional Director (Agriculture) Dr Niranjan Singh Rathore, Joint Director (Agriculture) Dr Sudhir Verma, and other dignitaries.
At the beginning of the programme, Chief Organising Secretary and Director Extension Education Dr R.L. Soni welcomed guests and outlined technical sessions scheduled for the fair. Dr Yogesh Kanojia proposed the vote of thanks, while the programme was conducted by Dr Vishakha Bansal and Smt Jaymala Dave.
During the event, the technical booklet Safal Krishi Udyami, authored by KVK Chittorgarh scientist Dr R.L. Solanki, was released. Haldhar Times Editor Piyush Sharma was honoured with a citation for his contribution to promoting agricultural innovations, while Maharashtra-based agri-entrepreneur Shobha was felicitated for her organic turmeric powder initiative.
Experts delivered lectures on topics such as soil and water conservation, artificial intelligence in smart farming, advanced goat rearing, backyard poultry, animal vaccination, renewable energy in agriculture, and beekeeping for additional income.
The fair also featured demonstrations of modern agricultural technologies, including drone applications, solar energy systems, high-tech horticulture, and improved crop varieties. Cultural programmes by farmers from different states added vibrancy to the event, while a farmer–scientist interaction session helped address practical agricultural challenges.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.