Raisen to Host 3-Day Agriculture ‘Mahakumbh’ with Focus on AI, Drones and Waste-to-Wealth
Describing the event as a “knowledge mahakumbh”, Chouhan said the initiative aims to bring scientific farming practices directly to farmers and help them adopt modern, sustainable, and income-enhancing agricultural methods.
Farmers to get direct guidance from scientists; live demos of ICAR soil testing, hydroponics and precision farming
New Delhi: Farmers will receive hands-on guidance from agricultural scientists and exposure to advanced technologies at the three-day ‘Advanced Agriculture Festival 2026’ to be held in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh, from April 11, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Sunday.
The festival, to be organised at Dussehra Maidan, is designed as a large-scale knowledge platform covering the entire agricultural value chain—from crop management to market linkages—through continuous training sessions, live demonstrations and interactive engagements.
Describing the event as a “knowledge mahakumbh”, Chouhan said the initiative aims to bring scientific farming practices directly to farmers and help them adopt modern, sustainable, and income-enhancing agricultural methods.
Over three days, subject-specific sessions will be conducted simultaneously across multiple venues, focusing on areas such as post-harvest management, digital agriculture, artificial intelligence-based solutions, mechanisation, natural farming, and expansion of pulses and horticulture.
The second day will feature discussions on climate-resilient agriculture, soil health, protected cultivation methods such as polyhouses and shade nets, as well as awareness sessions on crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Advanced topics including hydroponics, precision farming, vertical farming, integrated pest management, and bio-pesticides will also be covered.
The final day will focus on integrated farming approaches, dairy development, fisheries, pearl farming, and diversification into poultry and goat rearing, alongside sessions on agricultural credit and the Kisan Credit Card.
A key highlight of the festival will be the emphasis on stubble management through the ‘waste to wealth’ concept. Farmers will be introduced to scientific methods to convert crop residue into manure, energy, and additional income streams, instead of burning it. The initiative will also include awareness campaigns and street plays to communicate the environmental and economic benefits of sustainable practices.
The event will also showcase live models and demonstrations by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, including soil testing facilities where farmers can receive on-the-spot soil health reports. Technologies such as drone-based farming, nano-fertiliser application, hydroponics, advanced nursery management, and integrated farming systems will be demonstrated to enable practical learning.
Progressive farmers and experts from across states will share successful case studies and innovations, helping participants understand market linkages and scalable agricultural models.
The minister said the festival is aimed at transforming farming practices and improving farmers’ incomes by bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and field-level application, and urged farmers to participate in large numbers.
