Mysuru: Raitha Dasara, which has gained popularity among the farming community, will be held from Sept. 22 to 24 at JK Grounds, said Department of Agriculture Joint Director K.M. Somasundar.

Addressing the media persons at DC office yesterday, he said that District In-charge Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa will inaugurate Raitha Dasara. Prior to this, a grand procession of farmers and livestock would be taken out from Mysore Palace North Gate in which various folk troupes will take part.

Like previous years, the Raitha Dasara will feature exhibition of latest agriculture equipment, special bullock carts, welfare programmes announced for farmers among others. This year, the various colleges affiliated to University of Agricultural Sciences will also take part to showcase various courses offered for students.

The organisers will also felicitated 25 best farmers identified from various parts of the State which will include those identified by Horticulture, Sericulture and Forest Departments. There will also be seminars to discuss and find solutions for problems faced by the farmers.

Raitha Dasara Committee will also organise district-level rural sports on Sept. 23 which includes gunny sack race, boulder lifting and 50kg fertiliser bag lifting for men. For farmer women, the Committee has organised running race with water-filled pitchers and lemon and spoon race.

The valedictory event will be held on Sept. 24 at 6.30 pm and the prizes to the award-winning farmers will be distributed by Animal Husbandry and Sericulture Minister A. Manju.

The Committee has also announced attractive prize money for State-level Cow Milking Competition. The first prize winner will receive Rs. 50,000, 2nd place – Rs. 40,000 and 3rd place – Rs. 30,000.

Dasara Special Officer and Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep released the Raitha Dasara brochure. Deputy Special Officer K.S. Shivakumaraswamy and Member Secretary Dr. P.M. Prasad Murthy were present on the occasion.