UAS-B to unveil new drought- and disease-resistant maize, ragi and grain amaranth at Krishi Mela 2026

A file photo of the Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra (GKVK) campus, at Yelahanka in Bengaluru.

The University of Agricultural Sciences Bengaluru (UAS-B) will be releasing three new crop varieties on the occasion of Krishi Mela, to be held on the GKVK campus on November 13.

The three new variety of crops, include maize MAH-20-45, ragi GPU-101 and grain amaranth KBGA-18. Mudalagiriyappa, Director of Research, UAS-B, explained, “The MAH-20-45 is a high-yielding maize hybrid which is tolerant to various diseases and can be grown in drought conditions without much interference of farmers. The Ragi GPU-101 is another variety which gives 18% higher yield than the present varieties available in the market. It is also more tolerant to ‘Blast disease’ that is most occuring in ragi varieties. The grain amaranth KBGA-18 is rich in protein which can be mixed with ragi before grinding. It is good for health if mixed with ragi flour and consumed.”

He highlighted that all the three varieties were developed by the university.

Unlike previous year when Krishi Mela was held for three days, this year, it will be held for one day due to prevailing drought conditions across the State.

Prof. Mudalagiriyappa said, “A workshop on drought management techniques will be held at 10 a.m. and field visit will be held at 2 p.m. for participants, especially farmers. The main objective of the programme is to provide technical information on the impact of the El Niño future preparedness, suitable crop varieties, complementary agricultural technologies for drought situations, and soil and water conservation.”