Nagpur: In a significant boost to tribal agriculture, Gadchiroli district is set to host the Koya Krushi Kumbh 2026, a comprehensive five-day agricultural exposition specifically designed to empower and strengthen tribal cultivators. Scheduled from February 5 to 9, 2026, this landmark event will take place at the agriculture college campus in Sonepur on Chandrapur Road.
A Platform for Tribal Agricultural Advancement
The exposition operates under the resonant theme 'Asmita Adivasichi, Samruddhi Shetichi: Gadchirolichi Navi Kranti' (Pride of the Tribal, Prosperity of the Farm: Gadchiroli's New Revolution). It is envisioned as a holistic platform that brings together farmers, agricultural experts, policymakers, and agribusiness stakeholders to foster sustainable and diversified farming practices within the district.
Official Inauguration and Leadership
The event will be formally inaugurated by Ashish Jaiswal, the district assistant guardian minister who also heads the state agriculture department as the minister of state. In a notable virtual engagement, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, serving as the guardian minister of Gadchiroli district, will preside over the inaugural function at 12 noon on February 5. Agriculture Minister Dattatraya Bharane will grace the occasion as the chief guest. The opening session is expected to be attended by several Members of Parliament, Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council, and senior district officials.
Comprehensive Event Structure and Focus Areas
District Collector Avishyant Panda outlined the event's core objectives, stating, "The five-day fest will focus on the demonstration of crop diversification and serve as a platform for all agricultural, allied, and forest products. It will be a place where buyers and sellers can interact at more than 200 stalls."
The Krushi Kumbh is a joint initiative organized by the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Gadchiroli, and the Maharashtra State Agriculture Department. The program is meticulously structured to include:
- A large-scale agricultural exhibition showcasing modern farm machinery, advanced irrigation technologies, improved seed varieties, and bio-inputs.
- Displays and demonstrations on bamboo-based products and value chains linked to non-timber forest produce.
- Highlights from allied sectors including fisheries, dairy, and agro-processing.
- Focused exhibits on climate-resilient and sustainable farming practices.
Specialized Sessions and Knowledge Exchange
Organizers have planned specialized sessions targeting the unique agricultural landscape of the region:
- Tribal-Centric Agriculture: Sessions dedicated to the specific needs and traditional knowledge of tribal cultivators.
- Bamboo Cultivation and Forest Livelihoods: Exploring economic opportunities linked to forest resources.
- Organic Farming and Agri-Tourism: Promoting sustainable practices and alternative income sources.
- Farmer-Producer Organizations (FPOs): Encouraging collective action for better market access.
The event will also feature expert lectures guiding farmers on modern management practices, relevant government schemes, and innovative models for income generation. Concurrently, dedicated buyer-seller conferences will be organized to establish direct market linkages, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring better price realization for farmers.
Expected Impact on Gadchiroli's Agrarian Economy
Officials express strong optimism about the expo's potential impact. By creating a singular, powerful platform for knowledge exchange, technology adoption, and market access, the Koya Krushi Kumbh 2026 aims to:
- Blend invaluable traditional tribal knowledge with modern scientific approaches.
- Open new, sustainable avenues for income generation for local farmers.
- Accelerate agricultural transformation in Gadchiroli, a district renowned for its natural resources yet facing developmental challenges.
- Give a significant, long-term push to the district's agrarian economy through market-driven approaches.
This initiative represents a concerted effort to bridge the gap between potential and prosperity, aiming to script a new chapter of agricultural revolution in the tribal heartland of Maharashtra.
