Amidst great enthusiasm and anticipation, the Millionaire Farmer of India (MFOI) Awards 2024 commenced today (December 01, 2024) at iconic IARI Grounds, Pusa, New Delhi. This landmark event celebrates the remarkable achievements of progressive farmers while showcasing the latest innovations in agriculture. Organized by Krishi Jagran, co-hosted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and sponsored by Mahindra Tractors, the three-day event aims to bring together global leaders, agricultural pioneers, and visionaries to shape the future of farming.
Global agricultural leaders, innovative star farmers, and visionary speakers have converged at the event to inspire and reshape the agricultural landscape. With a dynamic focus on sustainable practices and cutting-edge technologies, the MFOI Awards provide a unique platform for sharing transformative ideas and solutions. Participants are engaging directly with trailblazers redefining the future of farming, making this celebration an unparalleled convergence of innovation, learning, and collaboration.
Day 1 commenced with the registration of participants, followed by a grand inaugural session. The event was hosted by MC Dominic, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Krishi Jagran, who extended a warm welcome to all attendees and dignitaries. The distinguished guests included Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member of NITI Aayog; Dr. Raja Ram Tripathi, a farmer and winner of the MFOI 2023; Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary, DARE & Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR); Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General of AARDO; and Dr. JACS Rao, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Tribal Local Health Traditions, and Medical Plant Board, Chhattisgarh. An auspicious lamp-lighting ceremony was held to mark the occasion, signifying the official commencement of this prestigious event.
Welcoming all progressive farmers, industry leaders, and esteemed dignitaries, MC Dominic, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Krishi Jagran, shared his vision for the MFOI Awards, emphasizing the importance of recognizing farmers. He celebrated the success of last year’s awards, where Raja Ram Tripathi was honored from 36,000 nominations. Dominic expressed his dream of making farmers icons, inspiring even the children of doctors and engineers to pursue farming. He stressed the need for fair prices, support, and recognition to empower farmers and motivate future generations to embrace farming as a respected profession.
The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) signed an MoU with Krishi Jagran to scale up and replicate the MFOI initiative in its partner countries. During the MoU signing, Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director General of CIRDAP, praised Krishi Jagran's efforts in promoting agriculture as a respected career and countering its negative portrayal in society. He emphasized CIRDAP's ongoing work in rural development across 15 member countries, including India and Fiji, and stressed the need to raise awareness among policymakers. Dr. Shekara also noted that July 6th, 2025, would be declared Rural Development Day by the UNGA, coinciding with CIRDAP’s foundation day. He expressed his gratitude to MC Dominic, Mamta Jain, and all the farmers for the opportunity to collaborate on this important initiative.
Parikshit Ghosh, Head of Sales & Customer Care at Mahindra Tractors, said, “This year marks six decades for Mahindra, a journey driven by our singular mission—transforming agriculture and uplifting farmers. Over these years, we’ve remained committed to providing over 350 tractor variants across India, each tailored to the unique soil conditions of different regions. In the past six decades, we’ve supported over 40 lakh farmers, and this success has been possible only with the unwavering support of our farming community. We are also proud to be part of the MFOI Awards for the second consecutive year, celebrating the success we’ve achieved together with Krishi Jagran and farmers.”
He added, “This three-day event is more than just a celebration; it’s an invaluable opportunity for us to connect directly with farmers, understand their needs, and continue refining our products. Since the last event, we’ve conducted roadshows and farmer meetings to ensure our equipment is even more farmer-friendly. Our goal is to inspire more farmers, share knowledge, and make this event a true celebration of agriculture, innovation, and collaboration.”
Dr. R.R. Burman, Assistant Director General (Extension), ICAR, highlighted that the MFOI Awards celebrate farmers earning over Rs 10 lakh, aligning with the government's goal to double farmers' income and boost agricultural productivity. He emphasized that ICAR, through its 113 research centers and 731 KVKs, is working to promote modern agricultural practices and capacity building across India. Agriculture, he noted, should be viewed as an agri-business, a shift that some farmers have already embraced. Over 1,200 farmers will be honored at MFOI, with some even earning ₹1 crore. The event also provides a platform for knowledge sharing, where stakeholders, including policymakers and farmers, discuss ways to increase incomes and inspire others with their success stories.
Dr. JACS Rao, Chief Conservator of Forests and CEO of the Chhattisgarh Medicinal Plant Board, said, "Today feels like a festival, one that celebrates our farmers. He emphasized the significance of medicinal plants in enhancing the livelihoods and income of Chhattisgarh farmers, while also recognizing their potential to benefit farmers in other states. Dr. Rao shared the board's goal of turning 1 lakh farmers into 'Lakhpatis' by promoting medicinal and aromatic plants. Last year, 20,000 farmers reached this milestone, and already 5,000 farmers have registered this year. He highlighted the suitability of various medicinal plants for different geographical regions and wished all farmers success in their journey of growth."
RG Agarwal, Chairman Emeritus of Dhanuka Group, honored both soldiers and farmers for their contributions, highlighting that 85% of farmers in India remain marginal, and boosting their income is crucial. He stressed the need for collaboration with ICAR and KVKs to address key issues: lack of knowledge and technology, unfair pricing, and the rise of fake agricultural inputs. Agarwal urged stakeholders to ensure technology reaches farmers and to empower them to decide where and at what price to sell their produce. He also advised farmers to use QR codes to verify agricultural products, emphasizing that better inputs and knowledge will improve farmers' income.
Ajay Mishra, Former MoS of Home Affairs (Chief Guest), affirmed that agriculture is the foundation of human development and prosperity. He stressed that both improving farmers' income and making farming profitable are essential for India's growth. The government is working to raise awareness among farmers and improve technology penetration, including at the groundwater level. Mishra also highlighted the crucial role of cooperatives in strengthening farming communities.
Following this, Chief Guest Ramesh Chand, Ajay Mishra, and other dignitaries presented trophies to the millionaire farmers in recognition of their exceptional achievements.
