Live demonstration of pot-making in addition to showcasing rural products at UAS-B’s Krishi Mela

For those who love rural markets, there is an opportunity to catch up with a mega market at this year’s Krishi Mela of the University of Agricultural Sciences-Bengaluru to be held from November 19 to 22. One of its highlights is a Halli Santhe (rural market).

Though the main focus of the Mela is to showcase the latest farm technologies, cropping patterns, research and improved crop varieties, the university has decided to add a Halli Santhe this year to provide a glimpse of rural lifestyle and products to urbanites. The Halli Santhe pavilion will provide space for not just farmers but also rural artisans and self-help groups to sell their products directly to customers.

“The articles will range from value-added ragi products to honey from various parts of the State and various rural food items besides cotton saris and Channapatna toys,” according to Prof. K. Narayana Gowda, vice-chairman of the Krishi Mela exhibition committee.

He told The Hindu that the pavilion will be designed in such a way as to provide rural ambience by including bavi katte and arali katte (stone elevations around wells and peepal trees where people sit leisurely in villages).

This will be complimented by rendition of folk songs by folk artists. This is not all. Earthen pot-makers and blacksmiths will demonstrate their skills. “The pots which you want to buy will be made right in front of you,” he said.

“The main intention of including Halli Santhe is to provide a marketing space for farmers and rural artisans. Barring a few, all other artisans are those who have been promoted by various government organisations,” he told The Hindu .

Even the vegetable vendors and growers of various crops will be taking part.

He said the response was overwhelming with 200 stalls booked by various groups and entrepreneurs.

UAS-B Extension Director Dr. K. Jagadishwara, who is chairman of the exhibition committee, notes that Halli Santhe is an experiment to bring farmers and rural artisans on a single platform in a bid to provide marketing linkage besides integrating their activities.

“We are trying to establish a permanent market that integrates various rural activities, as rural artisans are in dire straits due to lack of marketing linkage. As a prelude, we are featuring their products at the Halli Santhe ,” he said.

* Aim of including Halli Santhe in Krishi Mela is to provide marketing linkage to farmers and rural artisans

* The Halli Santhe will have about 200 stalls showcasing products ranging from honey to value-added ragi products; vegetables and Channapatna toys to cotton saris