Sasya Shyamala Krishi Vigyan Kendra, RKMVERI is organizing a two-days Krishi Mela–2026 on the theme “Coastal Agriculture” on 13th and 14th February, 2026, with a clear vision of sustainable and climate-resilient farming technologies for empowering the farmers of the coastal and Sundarban regions of West Bengal through science-led, climate-resilient, and livelihood-oriented agricultural innovations. The coastal agro-ecosystem of West Bengal is inherently vulnerable and faces persistent challenges such as soil salinity, tidal inundation, cyclonic disturbances, and climate variability, all of which significantly constrain agricultural productivity and farmers’ livelihoods. These challenges disproportionately affect small and marginal farmers, limiting their production options and increasing vulnerability to climatic and market risks. The Krishi Mela-2026 aims to promote the adoption of sustainable and resource-efficient agricultural and allied sector technologies that address the challenges of salt-affected coastal and Sundarban ecosystems of West Bengal, with special focus on the small and marginal farming communities of South 24 Parganas district. The event is conceived as a comprehensive extension platform to disseminate location-specific, climate-resilient technologies, facilitate effective farmer–scientist interactions, and integrate scientific research, extension services, and farmers’ experiential knowledge. Aligned with national priorities on climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable intensification, and enhancement of farmers’ income, the Krishi Mela will encourage the adoption of integrated and sustainable farming systems encompassing crops, fisheries, livestock, and allied enterprises. Through this initiative, Sasya Shyamala Krishi Vigyan Kendra seeks to strengthen resilient, inclusive, and sustainable growth in coastal agriculture while reinforcing farmers’ capacity to adapt to evolving climatic and environmental challenges.
The Krishi Mela commences on 13th February, 2026 at 11:00 AM with a formal inauguration session, marking the beginning of two days of intensive knowledge exchange and farmer engagement. The inauguration marks the beginning of a structured platform designed to foster dialogue between farmers, scientists, and other stakeholders, with a shared focus on addressing the unique challenges of coastal agriculture.
Following the inauguration, an ATMA-sponsored Farmers–Scientists Interaction Programme will be held on the theme “Agricultural Technologies for Sustainable Intensification in the Salt-Affected Coastal Zone of West Bengal.” The session promotes direct, two-way interaction between farmers and scientists to ensure need-based, location-specific, and practically relevant technology dissemination. ATMA scientists will share insights on salt-tolerant and climate-resilient crop varieties, improved agronomic and nutrient management, efficient soil and water management, crop diversification, and climate-smart agricultural technologies. Farmers’ active participation, through sharing field experiences, constraints, and indigenous knowledge, will enrich discussions and ensure farmer-centric, demand-driven, and adoptable recommendations, thereby strengthening farmer–scientist linkages and accelerating sustainable intensification in coastal West Bengal.
On the same day, an NFDB-sponsored “Farmers’ Meet on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture” will also be organized, recognizing fisheries and aquaculture as vital livelihood components in the coastal and Sundarban regions. The programme will focus on scientific and climate-resilient aquaculture practices suitable for saline and brackish water environments. Experts will share knowledge on fish feed management, pond and water quality management, fish health management, and integrated and eco-friendly aquaculture models. Active participation of fish farmers will facilitate experience sharing and problem-solving, strengthening their capacity to adopt sustainable fisheries practices for income enhancement, livelihood diversification, and long-term coastal resilience.
On Day 2 of the Krishi Mela (14th February, 2026), we are organizing a Workshop on “Sustainable Livestock and Aqua Farming Technologies for Coastal West Bengal”, with the objective of promoting integrated, climate-resilient, and income-diversifying farming systems suitable for saline and coastal environments. The workshop highlights improved livestock management practices, suitable breeds for coastal conditions, animal health care, fodder production, and integration of livestock and aquaculture with crop farming. The technical deliberations aim to promote integrated farming systems as a key strategy for enhancing resilience, reducing risk, and improving income security of coastal farm households.
A significant component of the second day is the farmers’ felicitation and awarding ceremony, where we recognize progressive farmers from the coastal region for their exemplary contributions to agriculture, fisheries, livestock, and allied enterprises. This recognition will serve as a motivational platform to encourage wider adoption of scientific and sustainable practices among the farming community.
Throughout the Krishi Mela, several ICAR Institutes (ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, ICAR-Central Institute of Brackish Water Aquaculture, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, ICAR-National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology , ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute), KVK (Dhaanyaganga KVK, Sargachhi), Agricultural Training Centre, R K Mission Ashrama, Narendrapur, Line Departments, Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), Farmers’ Groups, Societies, NGOs closely associated with SSKVK are participating by setting up exhibition and sales stalls. The stalls will provide farmers with exposure to entrepreneurship opportunities, value addition, and market-linked collective action. Overall, Krishi Mela–2026 is being organized as a vibrant platform for technology dissemination, farmer empowerment, and stakeholder convergence. Through this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening sustainable coastal agriculture, fisheries, and allied sectors in West Bengal, in alignment with the mandate of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra system.
391total visits,54visits today