On the eve of Republic Day, the central government announced the list of Padma Awards 2025 recipients, honoring individuals for their exceptional contributions across various fields. This year, a total of 139 awards have been conferred, comprising 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards. Among the 113 ‘Padma Shri’ awardees are three distinguished personalities who are doing pioneering work in agriculture: Hariman Sharma from Himachal Pradesh, L. Hangthing from Nagaland, and Subhash Khetulal Sharma from Maharashtra.
Hariman Sharma- Who Brought Apples to Plains
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Hariman Sharma, born on April 4, 1956, in Gllasin village, Himachal Pradesh, faced significant hardships in his early life, including the loss of his mother when he was just three days old. Adopted by Sh. Ridku Ram of Panyala village, Hariman grew up working on a farm, learning about agriculture. Despite these struggles, he harbored big dreams, particularly in the field of agriculture, and sought innovative ways to improve farming in his region. In 1992, after a devastating frost wiped out mango trees in his area, he decided to experiment with apple cultivation, even though apples were traditionally grown in high-altitude areas with cooler climates.
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Hariman's persistence led to the creation of a groundbreaking apple variety that could thrive at much lower altitudes, at just 700 meters above sea level. While skepticism surrounded his efforts, Hariman remained determined, nurturing apple saplings through grafting and trials. By 2007, his hard work paid off when he successfully developed the HRMN-99 variety, which could endure the heat of summer temperatures reaching 40°C to 45°C, a climate previously considered unsuitable for apple cultivation. His achievement gained widespread attention, earning recognition from the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Prem Kumar Dhumal, and resulting in scientific validation of the apple variety’s potential.
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Hariman's HRMN-99 apple variety has become a success story that extends far beyond his farm. Grown in all 29 Indian states and internationally in countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Germany, it has transformed farming in warmer climates. Hariman has received numerous accolades for his contributions, including the “National Innovative Farmer Award” and the prestigious “Grassroots Innovation Award” from former President Pranab Mukherjee. He continues to be an influential figure, serving on research councils and committees, and has helped plant over 100,000 HRMN-99 saplings in Himachal Pradesh, training farmers to grow and benefit from this innovative apple variety.
L Hangthing- Revolutionizing Nagaland’s Horticulture
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L. Hangthing, a 58-year-old fruit farmer from Noklak, Nagaland, has been honored with the Padma Shri for his significant contributions to horticulture. With over 30 years of experience, Hangthing has played a key role in introducing non-native fruits like litchi and oranges to his region. His pioneering efforts in horticulture have not only enriched his own farm but have also benefited over 200 farmers in more than 40 villages, helping to improve their agricultural practices and income.
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Hangthing’s journey began in his childhood when he started experimenting with discarded fruit seeds on his family’s land. Through years of research and experimentation, his innovative farming techniques have been adopted by more than 400 households in the region. His dedication to knowledge-sharing and sustainable farming practices has made him a crucial figure in the agricultural development of Nagaland, empowering local farmers to diversify their crops and increase their earnings.
Subhash Khetulal Sharma- A Champion of Sustainable Farming
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Subhash Khetulal Sharma, a pioneering advocate for sustainable farming practices, has been championing organic agriculture among farmers in Maharashtra for decades. Known as a ‘smart farmer’ and a recipient of numerous national awards, Sharma transitioned away from chemical farming in 1994 after witnessing a significant decline in productivity.
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Since then, he has dedicated himself to promoting organic methods as a viable and eco-friendly alternative, encouraging farmers to adopt practices such as using cow dung and jaggery, as well as implementing rainwater harvesting systems. Through his efforts, Sharma has successfully guided villagers toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious way of farming.
About the Padma Awards
The Padma Awards, among India’s highest civilian honors, are presented in three categories:
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Padma Vibhushan: For exceptional and distinguished service.
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Padma Bhushan: For distinguished service of high order.
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Padma Shri: For distinguished service in any field.
Conferred annually on Republic Day, the awards celebrate achievements across disciplines like art, science, public affairs, and agriculture.
The recognition of Hariman Sharma, L. Hangthing, and Subhash Sharma underscores the critical role of innovation and sustainability in transforming Indian agriculture. Their contributions are not just a testament to individual excellence but also an inspiration for the farming community nationwide.
See Full List of Padma Awardees 2025
