Mysuru: A two-day Desi Akki Mela (Rice Fair) has been organised at the Office of the Joint Director, Agriculture Department, Mysuru, on Feb.9 and 10 between 10 am and 7 pm.

The Mela is jointly organised by Karnataka Agricultural Price Commission (KAPC), Agriculture Department, Mysuru, District Agriculture Training Centre, Naganahalli, Sahaja Samruddha, Batta Ulisi Andolana and Regional Sahakara Savayava Sanghagala Okkuta, Mysuru.

Agriculture Minister N.H. Shivashankar Reddy will inaugurate the Mela at 10 am tomorrow. Higher Education and District Minister G.T. Devegowda will inaugurate the expo. Tourism Minister S.R. Mahesh will release a book on ‘Desi Akki.’ MLA S.A. Ramdas will preside. KAPC Chairman Dr. T.N. Prakash Kammardi will deliver keynote address.

A technical workshop on ‘A stable market for Rajamudi and other traditional desi rice varieties through Geographical Indication’ has also been organised.

Following persons will deliver talk during the workshop: Dr. Devakumar, Dean, Agriculture College, Hassan; G. Krishna Prasad, Director, Sahaja Samruddha, Mysuru; Dr. Rajanna, Professor, VC Farm, Mandya; K. Ramakrishnappa, President, Jaivika Krishika Society, Bengaluru; Dr. Anupam Paul, Asst. Agriculture Director, West Bengal; Hoysala S. Appaji, Rajamudi Batta Conservator, Unnenahalli, Hassan and Padmavathamma, Desi Batta Conservator, Kanagalu, Mysuru.