Mysuru: The department of agriculture has started preparations for the success of Raitha-Grameena Dasara this year. It will be held from Oct 16 to 18 at JK Grounds. The department has plans to invite progressive farmers and successful farmers to provide lectures to motivate farmers this year.An expo of modern agriculture tools and machinery, including the display of upgraded sugarcane harvesters and paddy harvesters for the benefit of sugarcane and paddy growers, will be an attraction.The department has also decided to display modern sheep and goat breeds like Beetal and Jamunapuri known for their tall and leggy stature, Roman noses and long pendular ears. It will also display the highly priced Bandur sheep variety. Among the cattle breeds, the department is also featuring Hallikar, Gir, Ongol, naati chickens. It has also arranged a demonstration of rearing khadakanth variety chicken, Aseel, Gowajalahakki, Giriraja and other varieties during the expo.Information related to modern methods of cocoon rearing for silk production, dairy farming and fish farming will also be provided to visitors on the occasion.The Raitha Dasara subcommittee is also arranging demonstrations to educate the farmers to take up drought-resistant crops during a drought situation.Apart from felicitation of progressive farmers and outstanding personalities in the agriculture sector, the Dasara subcommittee has also organised a state-level milking contest this year as part of the celebration.Speaking to TOI, Raitha Dasara Subcommittee working president and joint director of agriculture KH Ravi said the committee is planning to run a free bus facility from every taluk to bring the selected farmers to the Raitha Dasara venue. One bus will be arranged from each taluk. A grand procession has been planned to inaugurate the event at Kote Anjaneyaswamy temple on Oct 16.
