Overview The ‘Kisan Mela’ held on 12 February 2026 in Tirupati highlighted a looming national farm‑labour shortage and the urgent need for mechanisation . Organized by the Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) , the mela catered to farmers from Tirupati, Chittoor, Nellore, Kadapa and Annamayya districts. Apart from showcasing modern equipment, the event stressed natural farming, crop diversification, value‑addition and post‑harvest management as pathways to make farming remunerative. Key Developments Development 1: The mela served as a platform to demonstrate mechanised tools and promote the formation of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to pool resources and market produce collectively. Development 2: Emphasis on natural farming and crop diversification aimed at reducing input costs, enhancing soil health and mitigating climate risks. Development 3: Sessions on value addition and post‑harvest management highlighted technologies for processing, packaging and cold‑chain logistics to fetch better prices. Important Facts Fact 1: The event was inaugurated by Tirupati District Collector S. Venkateswar , who urged farmers to move beyond traditional sowing‑harvesting cycles. Fact 2: Key dignitaries included ANGRAU Vice‑Chancellor Saradha Jayalakshmi , former VC V. Damodara Naidu , and Srikalahasti Agricultural Market Committee Chairman R. Chenchaiah Naidu , underscoring institutional support for agrarian reforms. UPSC Relevance This topic intersects with multiple sections of the UPSC syllabus: GS‑II (Agriculture, Food Processing, Rural Development) – mechanisation, FPOs, natural farming; GS‑III (Science & Technology, Environment) – adoption of agri‑tech and climate‑smart practices; and GS‑I (Governance, Policy Implementation) – role of state agencies and universities in extension services. Potential questions may ask about challenges of farm‑labour scarcity, the impact of FPOs on farmer incomes, or policy measures to promote mechanisation and value‑addition. Way Forward To sustain agricultural productivity, policy must focus on scaling mechanisation through credit‑linked subsidies, strengthening the legal framework for FPOs, and investing in agri‑infra for post‑harvest handling. Integrating scientific advisory services with farmer groups can accelerate the shift from subsistence to market‑oriented farming, thereby addressing the labour crunch and enhancing rural livelihoods.