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

The University of Agricultural Sciences in Bengaluru will debut three new crop varieties at the Krishi Mela on November 13, 2026. These include maize MAH-20-45, ragi GPU-101, and grain amaranth KBGA-18. MAH-20-45 is a high-yielding maize hybrid that can withstand diseases and drought without much farmer intervention. Ragi GPU-101 boasts an 18% higher yield than current market varieties and is resistant to the most common 'Blast disease' affecting ragi.

Grain amaranth KBGA-18 is a protein-rich crop that, when mixed with ragi flour, provides health benefits. This year's Krishi Mela, held for the first time in a single day due to drought conditions, will feature a workshop on drought management techniques at 10 a.m. and a field visit for participants at 2 p.m. The primary goal is to share technical insights on El Niño's impact, suitable crop varieties, advanced agricultural technologies for drought conditions, and soil and water conservation methods.