New Delhi, February 23, 2026: The ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, a premier institution and the cradle of India’s Green Revolution, is organizing the Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela 2026 from 25–27 February 2026 at the Mela Ground, IARI, Pusa campus, New Delhi.
The inaugural ceremony will be held on 25 February 2026 at 10:30 AM. The theme of this year’s Mela is “Viksit Krishi – Atmanirbhar Bharat”, emphasizing sustainable, climate-resilient, and income-oriented agricultural development to strengthen farmers’ livelihoods and national food security.
The Mela will be inaugurated by Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Government of India, as the Chief Guest.
Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary DARE & Director General ICAR will also grace the occasion as Guest of Honour.
Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela serves as a flagship national platform that bridges scientific research with farmers’ fields by showcasing advanced crop varieties, climate-smart technologies, precision farming tools, water-saving solutions, natural and organic farming models, and digital agriculture innovations. More than 1 lakh farmers from across the country will have the opportunity to interact directly with scientists and experts for location-specific solutions to their field problems.
In recognition of farmers’ contributions to grass-root innovations and sustainable agriculture, 7 progressive farmers from across the country will be conferred with the IARI Fellow Farmer Award and 36 farmers will be honoured with IARI Innovative Farmer Award during this Mela.
In a significant new initiative, ICAR–IARI has instituted a “Young Farmer Award” for the first time, marking a new paradigm to attract youth towards agriculture by recognizing young achievers who have adopted scientific, entrepreneurial, and technology-driven farming practices.
Aligned with the theme, the Mela will highlight solutions for climate change adaptation, water conservation, soil health management, input-use efficiency, crop diversification, and value addition. Special emphasis will be laid on:
1. Agricultural Schemes & Farmer Support Initiatives
Many farmers are unable to access benefits of Govt. schemes due to lack of awareness. This attraction bridges the information gap between policy and practice, enabling farmers to fully utilize government support mechanisms. The Mela will provide comprehensive information on major central and state government agricultural welfare schemes, subsidies, crop insurance, agricultural credit facilities, and digital farmer services at a single platform.
2. Crop Diversification & Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Climate variability poses a major risk to farm incomes. This attraction encourages farmers to move away from monocropping and adopt resilient, sustainable systems that ensure income stability.
Exhibits will focus on crop diversification, drought- and heat-tolerant varieties, alternative crops, climate-smart farming practices, risk management strategies, and adaptive agricultural models suited to changing climatic conditions.
3. Empowerment of Women and Youth in Agriculture
Women and youth are pivotal for the future of agriculture. This attraction positions agriculture as a modern, profitable, and dignified enterprise while promoting rural employment and entrepreneurship.
Dedicated sections will showcase women- and youth-led agri-enterprises, value addition models, nutrition-based agriculture, start-ups, and skill development initiatives.
4. Agricultural Marketing, Farmer Organizations & Start-ups
Post-harvest losses and weak market access reduce farmers’ profitability. This section helps farmers to understand market dynamics, collective bargaining through FPOs, and pathways to better price realization.
The Mela will highlight agricultural marketing systems, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), agri-startups, value chains, processing technologies, and direct market linkage models.
5. Digital Agriculture Solutions
Recently India has organized AI summit of a global level, and the digital agriculture is the future. Digital agriculture improves efficiency, reduces input costs, and minimizes risk. This attraction prepares farmers to adopt future-ready technologies for precise and profitable farming.
During the mela, digital platforms, mobile-based advisory services, sensors, data-driven decision tools, AI/IoT-enabled smart farming solutions, and precision agriculture technologies will be demonstrated.
6. Innovations in Agricultural Science
Innovation is the backbone of sustainable agriculture. This attraction demonstrates how scientific research directly addresses field-level challenges faced by farmers.
Displays will include improved crop varieties, biofertilizers, soil testing tools, residue management technologies, post-harvest innovations, and cutting-edge scientific solutions developed by ICAR–IARI.
7. Live Crop Demonstrations & Sale of Pusa Seeds
“Seeing is believing” for farmers. Live demonstrations build confidence, accelerate adoption of new technologies, and ensure access to reliable, high-quality seed material.
Live field demonstrations of crops and farming practices will be organized, along with information and availability of improved and quality Pusa seeds developed by ICAR–IARI.
Overall Significance of the Major Attractions
Strengthen the Lab-to-Land continuum
Focus on reducing cost of cultivation, enhancing income, and managing risk
Empower small and marginal farmers, women, and youth
Translate the vision of “Viksit Krishi – Atmanirbhar Bharat” into field-level impact
The Mela will feature a wide array of ICAR–IARI developed technologies, including live demonstrations on climate-resilient crop varieties of wheat, chickpea, lentils, mustard, vegetables, and flowers; biofortified cereals and pulses, quality seed technologies, Pusa Decomposer for eco-friendly residue management, Pusa STFR Meter for rapid soil testing, biofertilizers for improving soil health, Integrated Farming System, Hi-Tech Horticulture, Vertical Farming, Hydroponics, Precision irrigation solutions, Sensor-based crop monitoring, AI- and IoT-enabled farm machinery, and non-chemical post-harvest technologies to reduce losses and enhance value addition.
Additionally, Farmer Hospitality & Comfort will be taken care of: Free of cost stay arrangements have been made to ensure a comfortable and welcoming experience for farmers visiting from across the country.
Free and hygienic food will be provided to registered farmers during the Mela days, reflecting ICAR–IARI’s commitment to farmer welfare and inclusivity.
Transportation & Accessibility: To facilitate easy access, free transportation services will operate from Pusa Gate to the Mela venue at regular intervals. Special arrangements have been made for elderly farmers, women, and differently-abled visitors to ensure smooth mobility within the campus.
Seed Sale with Farmer Convenience: The sale of Pusa seeds has been organized in a farmer-friendly and streamlined manner, minimizing waiting time and congestion. To ease the physical burden on farmers, electric vehicles (EVs) will be deployed to transport purchased seeds from the Mela grounds to the IARI exit gates, ensuring hassle-free movement.
Cultural Evening & Social Engagement: Two cultural evenings on 25th and 26th February 2026 are being arranged by our media partner All India Radio to provide a relaxed and engaging environment for farmers after a day of technical interactions. The cultural programme aims to celebrate India’s rural heritage, foster social bonding, and make the Mela a memorable experience for participants.
