Krushi Devobhava: Bridging the gap between policy and the plough

In a powerful convergence of journalism, grassroots action, and agri-policy, News1st Kannada, in collaboration with the Karnataka State Department of Agriculture, hosted the landmark ‘Krushi Devobhava’ Agri Conclave in Bengaluru on May 24.

Over 500 farmers from 20 districts gathered at The Capitol Hotel, alongside ministers, agri-technocrats, researchers, and rural changemakers — all with a single mission: empowering the farmer.

Where Headlines Meet Harvests

The conclave wasn't just a ceremonial gathering. It was a working summit that tackled agriculture’s most pressing questions:

• How can small farmers embrace technology?
• What’s the formula for healthy soil?
• How do we take local produce global?
  

The sessions struck a balance between ground realities and future possibilities, making it a rare platform where the plough met the policy desk.

Hon’ble Agriculture Minister Shri N. Chaluvarayaswamy urged more such efforts:

“Farmers must receive the right information at the right time — this is real service.”

News1st MD & CEO Shri S. Ravikumar echoed this sentiment:

“This is our salute to farmers — not just as food producers, but as the soul of our economy and identity.”

Voices from the Field, Solutions for the Future

Four dynamic panel discussions headlined the conclave, each one packed with field-tested insights:

• Farming 2.0 – Integrated, sustainable, and profitable models
  
• Healthy Soil, Healthy Nation – Lessons from traditional practices
  
• Smart Tech, Small Farmers – Digital tools for every land size
  
• Roots to Global Markets – Building strong linkages for rural produce

Anchored by Rakshat Shetty and progressive farmer Shashi Kumar (Winner, Bigg Boss), the panels saw vibrant exchanges between department heads, agri-researchers, innovators, and cultivators who live the challenges every day.

Stories That Stirred the Soil

From inspiration to impact, the conclave wasn’t short on emotion. A standout moment was when Smt. Jalakshmamma, a marginal farmer from Mandya, received ₹50,000 support under the ‘Raitanondige Naavu’ (We stand by our farmers) campaign — a heartfelt gesture by MLC Dinesh Gooligowda, in memory of former CM S.M. Krishna.

The spotlight then shifted to the ‘Bhoo Tapasvi Awards’, which honoured 10 pioneering farmers for revolutionizing agriculture through organic innovation, seed conservation, and social leadership. They are the true champions of the soil, proving that change sprouts from the grassroots.

The Movement Lives On: 'Krushi Devobhava' Weekly Series

To carry the momentum into every household, News1st Kannada unveiled its next big leap: a dedicated weekly TV series titled ‘Krushi Devobhava’.

The series will:

• Showcase real farmer stories
  
• Decode government schemes
  
• Demystify market trends & climate risks
  
• Highlight innovations that actually work
  

With this, News1st becomes the first regional news channel in Karnataka to create a sustained, farmer-first content platform that informs, inspires, and uplifts.