As many parts of Vidarbha are bearing the brunt of deficit rainfall, Dr C D Mayee, Chairman of Agrovision Advisory Council and Secretary of Agrovision Foundation, on Monday said planting linseed, mustard, or sesame in rice furrows would be an excellent way to minimise the impact of drought-like conditions. Interacting with The Hitavada, Dr C D Mayee said the technique maximises profits by using residual soil moisture left behind by the harvested rice crop, thereby saving time, labour, and fuel costs. In four districts of Vidarbha, including Gondia, Gadchiroli, Bhandara, and Chandrapur, rice is cultivated across more than 7 lakh hectares, where this advanced and scientifically proven crop pattern can work wonders. “We are appealing to the farmers in these areas to take up this crop pattern right from this season. It will not only provide additional income to the farmers, but also help them make optimum use of available resources,” he added. Dr Mayee further said that the Agrovision Foundation has identified five villages in each of the four districts to plant linseed, mustard, or sesame in rice furrows.

 

“In addition, we are creating awareness among other farmers and encouraging them to adopt this pattern,” he added. The upcoming exhibition, Agrovision 2026, is also focusing on this pattern. Focused on innovation, sustainability, and knowledge sharing, the Foundation connects farmers with experts, technology, and market opportunities to enhance productivity, profitability, and self-reliance. “Considering the water scarcity in the region, this year our vision is to introduce smart solutions for water conservation, new techniques for farmers, beekeeping, and so on. The aim of Agrovision 2026 is to shift farmers from traditional ways to smart farming—boosting quality, income, and resilience through innovation and continuous learning,” he explained.

 

Over the years, Agrovision has become much more than an agricultural event; it is a beacon of hope for India’s farmers. Its unique blend of workshops, exhibitions, and conferences provides farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to improve their livelihoods. Agrovision continues to lead the way in transforming rain-fed farming in Vidarbha and beyond, helping farmers embrace new opportunities in agriculture and allied industries. The four-day mega event from November 27 to 30 will showcase the latest innovations and advancements in agriculture, bringing together over 500 participating organisations. Besides, special pavilions will spotlight MSMEs, Animal Husbandry, Agri startups, Agri Incubation Centres, and Self-Help Groups, creating a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. The expo is expected to draw lakhs of farmers from across India, along with government officials, policymakers, and channel partners.