Agriculture has always depended on nature, but changing weather patterns, irregular rainfall and water scarcity are making farming increasingly challenging. Drought can affect crop growth, reduce productivity and create uncertainty for farmers. In such a situation, innovative agriculture for drought management is becoming an important approach to make farming more resilient, resource-efficient and sustainable.
With this vision, the Krishi-Thotagarike Mela 2026 is being organized with the theme “Innovative Agriculture for Drought Management.” The four-day Agriculture and Horticultural Exhibition will take place from October 30 to November 2, 2026, at the College of Agriculture, Navile, Shivamogga.
Why Innovative Agriculture Matters During Drought?
Drought management is not only about dealing with water shortages after they occur. It is also about preparing farms to use available resources wisely and reducing the impact of uncertain weather.
Innovative agricultural practices can help farmers improve resource-use efficiency, productivity, profitability and sustainability. Technologies related to irrigation, protected cultivation, watershed management, integrated farming and modern farm machinery can support farmers in adapting to difficult climatic conditions.
The Krishi-Thotagarike Mela 2026 aims to bring these emerging approaches closer to farmers, agricultural professionals, agri-preneurs and other stakeholders.
Exploring Technologies for Drought-Resilient Farming
One of the major attractions of the mela will be the display of technologies and approaches covering different areas of agriculture and horticulture.
The exhibition will feature Technology Park, Hi-Tech Horticulture, Protected Cultivation, Vertical Farming, Organic Farming, Integrated Farming System and Watershed Management. These areas highlight how modern farming can combine technology and sustainable practices to respond to changing agricultural conditions.
Watershed management, for example, can play an important role in conserving and managing water resources. Similarly, protected cultivation and efficient irrigation technologies can help farmers make better use of available water while maintaining suitable conditions for crop production.
Modern Machinery for Better Resource Management
Technology is also changing the way agricultural operations are carried out. The mela will showcase several types of farm machinery, including planting and transplanting machines, plant protection equipment, irrigation equipment, harvesters and threshers, solar equipment, tractors and tractor-drawn equipment.
Access to suitable machinery can reduce manual effort, improve operational efficiency and support timely agricultural activities. Solar-based equipment and modern irrigation solutions can also contribute to more efficient use of energy and water.
Strengthening Sustainable Agriculture
Drought resilience goes beyond water management. Building a sustainable farming system also requires attention to soil health, crop diversity, biological inputs and additional sources of farm income.
The exhibition will showcase seeds and planting materials, fertilizers, micronutrients, bio-pesticides, organic manures, bio-fertilizers and microbial consortia. It will also cover areas such as fisheries, beekeeping, mushroom production and post-harvest technologies.
Such a diverse approach can encourage farmers to explore integrated farming systems and value-added opportunities instead of depending entirely on a single crop or activity.
A Platform for Farmers, Innovators and Agri -Entrepreneurs
The Krishi-Thotagarike Mela 2026 is expected to bring together nearly 10 lakh farmers and stakeholders, with around 400 agriculture-based companies and institutions participating. The event will provide an opportunity for agri-preneurs, government departments, research institutions and NGOs to showcase innovations, encourage technology adoption and create meaningful connections with the farming community.
The mela will also recognize Best Men and Women Farmers from the six districts under the university’s jurisdiction, along with exhibitors who showcase innovative technologies and products.
Exhibition Stall Tariffs and Pricing Options
The Krishi-Thotagarike Mela 2026 offers a variety of exhibition stall options to suit different display needs and budgets. Exhibitors can choose from Fabricated (Hi-tech), Machinery/Industrial, Economy, Food and Nursery stalls.
- Fabricated (Hi-tech) Stall: 10 × 10 feet
- Machinery/Industrial Stall: 20 × 20 feet
- Economy Stall: 10 × 10 feet
- Food Stall: 10 × 10 feet
- Nursery Stall: 15 × 30 feet
- Nursery Stall: 15 × 20 feet
These stall options provide an opportunity for agricultural companies, agri-entrepreneurs, machinery manufacturers, nurseries, food businesses and technology providers to showcase their products, services and innovative solutions to farmers and visitors attending the exhibition.
Moving Towards a Drought-Resilient Agricultural Future
The future of agriculture depends on how effectively innovation can be connected with practical farming needs. Innovative agriculture for drought management offers a pathway toward smarter water use, better resource management, improved productivity and greater sustainability.
Krishi-Thotagarike Mela 2026 provides an important platform for farmers to discover new technologies, interact with experts, explore agricultural solutions and understand emerging opportunities. More than an exhibition, it represents a collective effort to make agriculture better prepared for changing climatic conditions.
As farming faces new challenges, innovation can help turn uncertainty into opportunity-one technology, one idea and one resilient farm at a time.
Discover innovative farming technologies and practical solutions for drought management at Krishi Thotagarike Mela 2026.
When innovation meets resilience, every challenge becomes an opportunity to grow
