Kissan Mela is a major annual event and is a platform for farmers, specialists and agriculture scientists from different parts of the state to share and exchange ideas. It is a forum to acquire skills, technology and updates on the latest developments in the field of agriculture. Beside farmers, manufacturers of agricultural equipments, fertilizers, pesticides, seed and seedling dealers, nurseries, banks and financial institutions and government departments participate in this mega event. The Mela inspires confidence among the farmers and provides rural artisans with their own space to display their skills and sell their products.

In 2011, the thirtieth annual 'Kissan Mela' or 'Krishi Mela' was organised at Karkala in Udupi district. Seminars were conducted on various subjects relevant to the agricultural community. The topics included water and soil conservation, significance of mixed cropping, women on path to success, role of Self Help Groups in the development of dry land agriculture, microfinance programs, interviews with administrators and political leaders.

Dignitaries from various departments were present at the Mela as subject matter specialists who could shed light on various topics. The crowd-puller was the exhibition cum bazaar, which brought people together to shop and to exchange information. Videos on health and sanitation, nutrition and rural development were shown continuously. Folk artists had an opportunity to exhibit their talents and their handicrafts at the Mela. Cultural programs showcasing yakshagana and dances were organized in the evenings. The highlight of the Mela was the cattle show, which had more than 400 entries. Various breeds of cattle were exhibited and the finest were honored with an award. There were around 400 stalls and the Mela witnessed close to 300,000 visitors.