Vice-Chancellor K.C. Narayanaswamy on Friday said the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Mandya, produced nearly 5,000 tonnes of seeds last year. He stressed the need for the conservation of native seed varieties and efficient water management to address climate change and water scarcity.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Seed Festival (Beejotsava) and Pre-Monsoon Campaign – 2026, held on the UAS campus in V.C. Farm, Mandya.

Highlighting the importance of quality, Dr. Narayanaswamy said the use of quality seeds was crucial for improving crop productivity, enhancing yields, and ensuring farmers’ economic stability.

With erratic weather patterns and declining water availability posing major challenges to agriculture, farmers should adopt low water-consuming crops and diversify cultivation practices to remain financially resilient, he said.

Emphasising the importance of indigenous seed varieties, the Vice-Chancellor urged farmers to conserve native seeds and inform the University about the unique traditional varieties they have access to. “If farmers possess native seeds with special characteristics, they should inform the University. We will scientifically develop and distribute them to other farmers,” he said.

Dr. Narayanaswamy said the University is committed to strengthening agricultural education, research, and extension activities, and has been successful in transferring improved crop varieties developed through research directly to farmers.

Basavagouda, former Registrar, UAS, Bengaluru, who was the chief guest, said sowing quality seeds in fertile soil would ensure higher yields for farmers.

He urged the government to organise similar agriculture outreach programmes at the district level and provide free bus pass facilities to help farmers participate in such events.

“Agriculture today offers significant entrepreneurial opportunities, and farmers should utilise them to become self-reliant,” he said.

Director of Research G.M. Devagiri presided over the programme. Director of Extension C. Ramachandra, Registrar P.S. Fatima, director of Education N. Shivakumar, associate director of Research B.S. Basavaraju and programme organiser S.B. Yogananda were present.

More than 1,000 farmers, scientists, students, and progressive agriculturists from Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Hassan, and Kodagu districts participated in the programme. Over 30 stalls showcased agricultural technologies, seed varieties, and innovative farming practices.