Agricultural Awards in India: Honoring the Achievements of Farmers and Encouraging Innovative Farming Techniques

Agriculture is a major occupation in India. Its contribution is unfathomable. Agricultural awards honor the pioneers in agriculture, acknowledging their contribution and dedication.

Farmers, researchers, scientists, agro-industries, honorable institutions, and, NGOs have played a pivotal role in transforming the agriculture and allied sectors in India. The past few years have witnessed various agricultural advancements that have turned the tables completely.

Agriculture awards are presented by the government and various other prestigious institutions.

List of agriculture awards:

1. Indian Council of Agricultural Research, ICAR awards

The ICAR is an independent body that coordinates and manages agricultural research and education in India. ICAR recognizes the outstanding contribution and innovation of farmers and institutions in the field of agriculture.

ICAR awards to farmers:

1. a) Jagjivan Ram Innovative Farmer Award (national and zonal)

• 1 Annual National award of Rs 1 lakh to a farmer plus an equal amount of travel grant across the country to encourage his achievement is to be given to other farmers at a national level 

• 11 annual awards of Rs 50000 each plus a travel grant to promote his achievement.

1. b) N.G. Ranga Farmer Award for Diversified Agriculture

• 1 Annual National Award of Rs 1 lakh for notable contribution and innovation in Diversified Agriculture.

1. c) Haldhar Organic Farmer Award

The award is annual and consists of prize money worth Rs 1 Lakh.

ICAR awards to the institutions:

a) Sardar Patel Outstanding ICAR Institution Award

b) Chaudhary Devi Lal Outstanding All India Coordinated Research Project Award

c) Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Krishi Vigyan Protshahan Puraskar(National& Zonal)

d) Atal Bihari Vajpayee ICAR Challenge Award

e) Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award for Outstanding Research in Agricultural Sciences

f) Vasantrao Naik Award for Outstanding Research Application in Dry Land Farming Systems

g) Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Award for Outstanding Research in Tribal Farming Systems

2. Crystal National Agri Awards

Instituted by the Crystal Group, these awards felicitate people who have made a difference in agriculture. It has 12 awards for farmers who have adopted progressive farming techniques and innovation in agriculture or milk production, fruit production, poultry farming, and sericulture. It gives 6 awards to research scientists and one to the NGO.  There is also a Special Jury award for an individual's lifetime contribution to agricultural developments.

3. Mahindra Samriddhi India Agri Awards

The prime objective of the 'Mahindra Samriddhi India Agri Awards' is to honor and recognize the contributions made by the unsung heroes in the field of Indian agriculture.

• Krishak Samrat Samman (Farmer of the Year – Male): Award Subcategories: a) Less than 5 acres b) 5 to 20 acres c) More than 50 acres

• Krishi Prerna Samman (Farmer of the Year – Female)

• Krishi Yuva Samman (Farmer of the Year – Youth

• Krishi Samrat Samman

• Krishi Shiksha Samman ( Agricultural University in India)

• Krishi Vigyan Kendra Samman

• Krishi Sahyog Samman

4. Udyan Pandit Award

The Udyan Pandit Award is given for excellence in the cultivation of fruits in India. An award is given in each of the following fruit categories:

• apple

• banana

• grapes

• guava

• mandarin

• mango

• pineapple

• orange

 It is sponsored by the National Horticultural Board and awarded at state and national levels.

5. Agriculture Leadership Awards

The global leadership summit and awards are given by the Indian Council of Food and Agriculture with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare; Ministry of Food Processing Industries and the Ministry of Commerce. The award categories include:

• Best Fisheries State Award

• the International Leadership Award

• Life Time Achievement Award etc.

6. Borlaug Award

The Borlaug Award is given by a fertilizer company: Coromandel International, to outstanding Indian scientists for their research and contributions to agriculture and the environment.

7. Awards by State Governments

Each state government in India has also instituted several awards to recognize the contribution of farmers. Here are some of them:

• Punjab - Hero of the Farmers

• West Bengal - Krishak Sanman Puraskar, Krishi Ratna, Krishi Rabi Award

• Bihar - Best Progressive Farmer, Green Lady Award

• Jharkhand - Best SRI farmer Award, Sarwashreshth Krishak Puruskar

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands - Island’s Best Farmer Award, Lt Governor’s Commendation Certificate

Agricultural Awards in India are presented to niche contributors in the agricultural sector. Their contribution has revolutionized agriculture. Agriculture contributes about 15-18% to the GDP and is an important occupation for millions.