Post Event Souvenir

2nd Agriculture Leadership Summit

Post Event Souvenir

2nd Agriculture Leadership Awards Summit

Post Event Souvenir

2nd Agriculture Leadership Awards

Group photograph of the recipients of Agriculture Leadership Awards 2009 with the Chief Guest, Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Dy. Chairman, Planning Commission

The 2nd Agriculture Leadership Awards were presented on 4th September, 2009 at Taj Palace, New Delhi to twenty one individuals and institutions for their outstanding contributions to Indian agriculture and rural society. Agriculture Leadership Awards, instituted by Agriculture Today in 2008 to recognizes the leadership roles played by individuals and institutions, who are positively impacting the lives of farmers and rural masses. The award committee for 2009 was headed by Dr AR Kidwai, former Governor of Bihar, West Bengal and Haryana, and had an eminent panel of jury. Honble Governor of Haryana Dr. AR Kiwai chaired the gracious occasion and awards were presented by Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Government of India. In his address, Dr. Ahluwalia congratulated Agriculture Today team for arranging the award ceremony. He noted that there were very little opportunities for recognition of the key contributors to the countrys spectacular progress in agriculture. Agriculture Today has bridged the gap significantly. He was also pleased to find so many distinguished personalities present at the ceremony. He pointed out that agriculture had developed a fair amount of dynamism between the year 1970 and 1990, which was lost in the way; but in the last few years a lot of attention has started to come back to agriculture. Dr. Ahluwalia stressed for agriculture diversification and also the entire linkages between farmers and consumers, which he termed very important. He said the Planning Commission was doing a mid term appraisal and it will try to find a few answers. He also commented that the delivery system of agriculture was led by states and hence when more and more states gave priority to agriculture, the results were sure to be excellent.
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Dr. Balram Jakhar

Policy Leadership Award 2009
Born in a farming family in Panjkosi village in Ferozepur district of Punjab in 1923, Dr. Jakhar graduated from Christen College, Lahore in 1945. After his education, he got involved in farming at his village, when he got elected to Punjab Legislative Assembly in 1972 and became Deputy Minister of Cooperation and Irrigation in 1973. He was re-elected in 1977 and served as the Leader of Congress Legislature and the Leader of Opposition till 1979. Dr. Jakhar was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1980 and got rare distinction of first timer Parliamentarian being Dr. Balram Jakhar recieving the Policy Leadership unanimously elected to the coveted office of the Speaker Lok Award from Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia in Sabha, which he held from 1980 till 1985. He became the first Asian presence of Dr. AR Kidwai and Mr. MJ Khan to be elected as the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in 1984 and held this office till 1987. He got re-elected to the Lok Sabha from Sikar in 1984 and again adorned the coveted office of the Speaker Lok Sabha from 1985 1989. Dr. Jakhar was 3rd time elected to the Lok Sabha in 1991 from Sikar and became Union Agriculture Minister, and served full term till 1996. As Agriculture Minister he took many landmark decisions and solidly stood for the cause of farmers in WTO negotiations. A practicing farmer, a champion of farmers cause as the Life time President of Bharat Krishak Samaj, an active politician and an able administrator, Dr. Jakhar worked for the interest of farmers and agriculture during his six decades of career. He is honoured by the Honarary Doctorate by the Haryana Agriculture University, Indian Veterinary Research Institute and Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar. Dr. Balram Jakhar is today the most visible face of farmers and Indian agriculture.

The Energy and Resources Institute

Environment Leadership Award 2009
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), a dynamic and committed organization with a global vision and a local focus entangles itself in activities that extend from formulating local and national-level strategies to suggesting global solutions to critical energy and environmentrelated issues. Deeply committed to every aspect of sustainable development, the efforts of TERI in the field of developing technologies for agriculture extents to different aspects related to the present day agricultural practices. TERIs scientific adventures have yielded many solutions to the devouring problems of unsustainable agricultural practices. Their scientific interventions include biopesticide formulation Bollcure for managing bollworm infestation in cotton and microbial strains of Sphingomonas paucimobilis and Arthrobacter protophormiae RKJ100 for bioremediation of soils contaminated with some classes of pesticides. Their research interests also cover developing better quality varieties, micropropagation, molecular characterization, improving nutritional quality of food crops, transgenic crops for viral resistance and mycorrhiza among many other things. TERI, with its vision of global sustainable developments, has through its activities made a huge impact on environment, truly donning the mantle of a Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director recieving the Award. true leader.
TERI gets Environment Leadership Award.

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Sir Ratan Tata Trust

CSR Leadership Award 2009
Sir Ratan Tata Trust was set up in 1918 under the will of Sir Ratan Tata, the younger son of Sir Jamsetji Tata, founder of the Tata Group. Through his will and his own philanthropy, particularly his grants to Indias freedom movement and building youth involvement in public life in India, Sir Ratan desired that the Trust support those initiatives which were innovative, accountable and non sectional. Guided by his vision and an eminent Board of Trustees, the Trust continues Sir Ratan Tata Trust gets CSR Leadership Award. this effort to engage with focus areas within Rural Livelihoods Ms. Vartika Jaini recieving the Award & Communities, Education, Enhancing Civil Society & Governance, Health and Arts & Culture. Besides institutional grants, the Trust also makes individual grants for education and medical relief. Today, the Trust partners with over 250 institutions across 18 states within India in high quality development projects. Supported by external expertise and strong systems of project design and monitoring, these projects strive to impact quality of life of communities. Its ongoing Strategic Plan has identified Regaining Agricultural Dynamism and Inclusive Growth as prioritized focus areas within the Rural Livelihoods portfolio. Consequently, the Trust supports several projects that comprehensively engage with core development issues of agriculture, land and water use and development and access to finance. Through meaningful partnerships and engaging with worthy organisations, the Trust is constantly redefining the role of traditional charity and contributing to sustainable development of rural communities.

Indian Agricultural Research Institute

Research Leadership Award 2009
Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), popularly known as Pusa Institute, is the flagship institute of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Playing a key role in transforming agricultural research, education and extension in India, IARI provides national leadership in conducting basic, strategic and need-based applied research in crop improvement, protection, production and overall economic welfare of Indian farmers. IARI played a significant role in consolidating the gains of green revolution. IARI provides national leadership in enhancing crop productivity. Wheat varieties of IARI contribute more than 40% of annual wheat production of the country. Basmati rice research revolutionized the farmers economy. Chickpea, mung bean and mustard varieties of IARI have become very popular among the farmers. IARI has also made excellent contribution in the field of horticulture, Plant protection, resource management, policy research and technology transfer. IARI has also played the leadership role in agricultural education in India by imparting post-graduate research academic training and human resource development, which is recognized globally for quality and standards. IARIs research initiatives have, thus, not only helped the country to attain and maintain its food security but have also helped Indian farmers in improving their ecoIARI gets Research Leadership Award. Dr. HS nomic conditions, and that has strongly impacted the lives of Gupta, Director, receiving the Award rural masses.

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Prof. Panjab Singh

Research Leadership Award 2009
Prof. Panjab Singh, an accomplished Agronomist and research and education administrator, pioneered the research in the area of natural resources management. His landmark achievement of establishing more than 120 Regional Agriculture Research Stations in different parts of the country under ICAR National Agricultural Research Project during late 70s till mid 80s, substantially strengthened Indias agricultural research infrastructure. His prowess in administration is quite distinct from his contributions as Director of Indian AgriculDr. Panjab Singh, former DG ICAR, receiving the Research Leadership Award ture Research Institute where his measured approach helped in enhancing the quantum and quality of research output and human resource development. In his tenure as Director General, ICAR & Secretary, Department of Agriculture Research and Education, Govt. of India, he was provided unmatched leadership in generating resources, promoting infrastructure and building human resource at the national level. He was also active in the agriculture education in India in the capacity of Vice Chancellor of three prestigious universities in the country. As Vice Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University, he took a major step of setting up a new campus of BHU in the tribal belt of Vindhyan region at Barkachha (Mirzapur), thereby providing access to technical and professional education to a large section of less privileged population.

Prof. Ram Badan Singh

Research Leadership Award 2009
Prof. RB Singh, an outstanding researcher, had an illustrious career that portrayed his essence of leadership in improving agrarian livelihood, food, nutrition and ecological security. During his five decades of service to the agriculture sector, he provided leadership in cutting-edge research and technology development, in higher education and human resources development and in policy and programme formulation, execution and appraisal; each pursued in national, continental and global capacities. A geneticist by profession, Prof. Singh made important contributions in the fields of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology. In recognition of his immense contribution to new knowledge, human resource capital and the science-led transformation of agriculture towards the alleviation of hunger and poverty in India and the Asia Pacific Region, Prof R.B. Singh was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2003 by the President of India one of Indias highest civilian honours that recognizes distinguished service to the Nation. He has also held many covetous positions such as Member of the National Commission on Farmers (2004 - 06), Assistant Director General of FAO and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific from 2000 to 2002, Chairman of the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (1999 - 2000), Director of the prestigious Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi (1995 - 99) and Dean, Head of Department, Sr. Professor & Chair/Member Executive Council Dr. RB Singh, former ADG - FAO (Asia Pacific), at leading Universities (1964 - 1979). receiving the Research Leadership Award

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The National Dairy Development Board

Development Leadership Award 2009
The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was founded in 1965 to replace exploitation with empowerment, tradition with modernity, stagnation with growth; and transforming dairying into an instrument for the development of Indias rural people. NDDB which began its operations with the mission of making dairying a vehicle to a better future for millions of grass-root level milk producers, achieved great momentum with Mr. Ravi Shankar, NDDB Board Member recieving the launching of Operation Flood, a programme extending the Award. NDDB gets the Development over 26 years and which contributed to Indias emergence as Leadership Award. the worlds largest milk producing nation. Since its inception, the Dairy Board has spearheaded Indias dairy programmes by placing dairy development in the hands of milk producers and the professionals they employ to manage their cooperatives. In addition, NDDB also promotes other commodity-based cooperatives, allied industries and veterinary biologicals on an intensive and nation-wide basis. A commitment to help rural producers help themselves, has guided the Dairy Boards work philosophy for more than 40 years. NDDB played its seminal role towards the achievements made by cooperative dairies in milk production, employment generation, per capita availability of milk, foreign exchange savings and increased farmer incomes.

Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited

Development Leadership Award 2009
Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited (AIC), created to promote crop insurance as an important risk mitigation tool, administers National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) on behalf of the Government of India, which is implemented in 25 States and two Union Territories. The schemes acceptability among the farmers has been phenomenal, insuring crops of 1.91 crore farmers, making it the worlds largest crop insurance programme in terms of the number of farmers covered. Armed with in-depth knowledge of crop insurance, AIC also introduced crop insurance products using different insurance models. These models, besides area yield index, also include other index programs like weather index & satellite imagery based crop health index; and combinations of various models. With a view to provide the farmers with one more option to insure their crops, AIC operationalised a Pilot Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS), which is a unique weather based crop insurance. With the increase in farming risks, farmers find in AIC a reliable safety net to rely upon. And the organization has stood the test in its outreach, efficacy and delivery to emerge the worlds largest crop insurance company.
Mr. M Prasad, Managing Director recieving the Award. Agriculture Insurance Company gets the Development Leadership Award.

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Dhanuka Agritech Limited

Development Leadership Award 2009
Dhanuka Agritech Limited, the umbrella company for the business of Agro-Chemicals, Fertilizers, and Seeds, reaches out to more than 10 million farmers with its eco-friendly high quality crop care products. The AgriDivision has a pan-India presence through its marketing offices in all major states in India. With a dealer network of 15,000 across India, the Group has been able to make Dhanuka the preferred choice of farmers. With the promotion of DKKNT (Dhanuka Kheti Ki Nai Takneek) Mr. RG Agrawal, Chairman, Dhanuka Agritech Ltd. receiving the Development Leadership Award and the Groups focus on extension activities coupled with strong R&D setup, Dhanuka has become a household name in the farming community across the country. The company has collaborated with many international companies, which has helped them to add new eco friendly quality agri products in its range, esp. the world class weedicides for crop specific applications. The company has to its credit the privilege of initiating the first public-private partnership project in agriculture in with the Government of Madhya Pradesh at Hoshangabad. This unique PPP project has strengthened the agriculture related extension activities and increased the productivity and profitability of farmers in the district by over 30%, as independently audited.

Plastindia Foundation
Development Leadership Award 2009
Plastindia Foundation, the Apex body of major Associations, Organisations, and Institutions connected with plastics, was established with common objectives to promote the development of plastics industry and to assist the growth of plastics and related materials and their products. A foundation dedicated to the national progress through plastics is an internationally recognized organization devoted to promoting excellence in the field of plastics. The body has been actively involved in enhancing the image and the growth of Indian Plastics Industry by holding worldclass exhibitions in India at regular intervals. They have served as a catalyst for growth to the plastics industry and prepared plans and actions for up-gradation of quality, environment-friendliness and recycling within the plastics industry. During the numerous exhibitions organized by the foundation, they have dedicated pavilion featuring plasticulture which displays the use of plastics in agriculture. The demonstration is aimed to facilitate better yields in agriculture and horticulture produce and also save and conserve water, a very important need for the future of agriculture sector. Thus Mr. Arvind Mehta, President PlastIndia Foundation receiving the Development the national role of Plastindia Foundation, is greatly Leadership Award benefiting Indian agriculture.

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Mahindra & Mahindra Limited

Farm Equipment Sector

Corporate Leadership Award 2009

Mahindra Tractors is one of the worlds top tractor brands and is the largest manufacturer of tractors in India with undisputed market leadership since 26 years. Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, Farm Equipment Sector with two large tractors brands Mahindra and Swaraj today enjoys a market share of more than 40% in the domestic market. Today it has a large customer base of 2.1 million satisfied customers. It is also the only tractor company in the world to win the coveted Mahindra & Mahindra FES gets Corporate Deming Application Prize and the Japan Quality Medal, two Leadership Award. Mr. Anjanikumar Choudhari, of the highest quality accolades. The Sector has also found President, recieving the Award significant success in the international market. Mahindra tractors are present in 38 countries across six continents. Mahindra (China) Tractor Co. Ltd. manufactures tractors for the growing Chinese market and is a hub for tractor exports to the USA and other western nations. Mahindra tractors enhanced its value proposition by entering the agri value space by starting an unique initiative of Mahindra Samriddhi, with aim of increasing productivity of the farmers through innovative farming techniques. Mahindra tractors has also started a host of initiatives such as conserving energy, reducing waste, recycling resources and various other initiatives to protect the environment. The corporate leaders motto of ushering in prosperity for its customers, dealers, employees, society and all other stakeholders is being accomplished by the unparalleled quality and reach in the market.

Nuziveedu Seeds (Pvt) Ltd.

Corporate Leadership Award 2009
Nuziveedu Seeds (Pvt) Ltd. (NSL), the largest seed company in India, was established with a progressive vision and solemn objective of developing and providing quality cotton seeds to the farmers at reasonable price. NSL has now emerged as a leader in R & D, production and marketing of not only cotton hybrid seeds but also the hybrid seeds of other field crops such as Corn, Rice, Sunflower, Sorghum, Pearlmillet, and Vegetable crops. With a world class R&D Centre and dedicated team of breeders, NSL has initiated work on developing high yielding varieties and hybrids in Wheat and mustard. NSL is the first Indian seed company to reach a turnover of Rs. 500 Crores in India. This leader of Indian seed industry has also set up a Charitable Trust viz., Mandava Foundation, which aims to find solutions for various problems by which the agriculture productivity can be increased and the farming community can be empowered with knowledge. The company has strong national brand equity for providing advanced technology solutions to farmers through a range of quality seeds and serve the farmers through a nation wide marketing network and Mr. M Prabhakar Rao, MD, Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd., receiving the Corporate Leadership Award thus contributing to Indias rural prosperity.

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Bayer BioScience Pvt. Ltd

Corporate Leadership Award 2009
Bayer BioScience Pvt. Ltd, a forerunner in the arena of seed business in India, is engaged in research, development, production and marketing of high quality hybrid seeds of field crops for more then 30 years. Realizing the potential of hybrid rice in increasing the production and productivity, Bayer pioneered the development of suitable hybrids by modern innovative breeding techniques and bringing products able to out Mr. Mahesh Girdhar, MD recieving the Award. yield the existing inbreds by at least 20%. Bayer Bioscience Bayer Bioscience Pvt Ltd. gets the Corporate is also credited with introducing Indias first BLB Leadership Award. resistant hybrid rice. Bayer BioSciences cotton hybrids have been acclaimed by farmers as having unsurpassed fibre quality. Besides rice and cotton hybrids, Bayer has also brought out hybrids of pearl millet and corn. Bayer BioSciences products today enjoy immense brand equity with more than one million farmers and its high productive quality seeds are sown in approx. 4 million acres of land, across the country year after year. The company nurtures a vision to provide farmers the cutting edge technology solutions with highest quality hybrid seeds, and thus contribute towards seed led agriculture growth.

Ayurvet Limited
Corporate Leadership Award 2009
Ayurvet Limited, a Dabur Group company, one of Indias leading animal care companies specializes in 100% natural & safe herbal products. Ayurvet, has over the years evolved considerably to include in its ambit, innovative health as well as nutritional solutions for across a range of animal species. The key to success of Ayurvet has been the innovation that they have strived hard to maintain through intensive research, strictly adhering to the principles of Ayurveda. Uncompromising on quality assurance and hence consumer satisfaction, Ayurvet has elaborated its presence to more than 21 countries across the globe. The efficacy and quality of their products are the result of a well thought-out, planned scientific approach to the collection of herbs, standardization of ingredients, processing of all the raw materials and proper packaging of formulations. Ayurvet has also forayed in to preservation and propagation of medicinal plants by self and contract farming of medicinal herbs and their propagation by standard techniques like tissue culture. Since inception, Ayurvet has been working towards promoting safe and sustainable agriculture Mr. MJ Saxena, MD, receiving the Corporate and animal husbandry practices.
Leadership Award for Ayurvet Ltd.

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Shri Sopan Kanchan

Farming Leadership Award 2009
Shri Sopan Sakharam Kanchan, Chairman of Grape Growers Federation of India, Pune is a stellar example of leadership and association. An agriculture graduate from Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Mr. Kanchan went on to become a towering figure in promoting the cause of farmers and agriculture. He established a network of pre-cooling and cold storage units in the State of Maharashtra for export of fresh Mr. Sopan Kanchan, receiving the Farming fruits and vegetables under the aegis of Leadership Award MAHAGRAPES, a co-operative marketing body. He was also in the forefront of imparting training and knowledge to farmers through interactions and seminars, especially for maximizing their output. He served as a link between farmers and different stakeholders like research Institutes, market boards, policy makers and exporters. He worked on transforming grape farmers from just a producer to become exporter and helped substantially expand their incomes. He also played critical role in cut flowers project in Pune under the aegis of Poona Flowers, a voluntary organization. Mr. Kanchan is also playing national role in horticulture development as President, Confederation of Indian Horticulture, Chairman, Poona Grape Growers Coop. Society Ltd., Director, National Horticulture Board, Member, Managing committee, ICAR, Director, MANAGE and Executive Partner, MAHAGRAPES among many other roles.

Dr. E. Vadivel
Farming Leadership Award 2009
Dr. E. Vadivel, Professor of Horticulture at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and Nodal Officer of Tamil Nadu Precision Farming Project , has empowered the farming community technically, economically and socially through the implementation of the pioneering project on precision farming, the first of its kind in India at Dharmapuri District in Tamil Nadu. The technical inputs, information and market linkages provided by the university, under the guidance of Dr. Vadivel, the entrepreneurial professor, empowered the farmers to gain better access to the technology and market; applying less inputs and getting better yields and better prices. Under his guidance, the farmers empowered themselves to the status of incorporating a Public Limited Producer Company. The company has realized break even in a short period of two and half years, which has inspired them now to incorporate a Farmer Owned Mega Market Company Ltd. The Union Planning Commission noted the success of the project and accepted it as flagship project to be scaled up across the country. More than technology, inputs and procedural issues, the way the farmers have been developed as social capital by Dr. Farming Leadership Award for Dr. E. Vadivel Vadivel, was the single factor for the success of this being presented by Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia project.

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Shri Y.C. Nanda

Life Time Achievement Award 2009
Shri Y.C. Nanda, a post graduate from the Delhi School of Economics, where he proved his mettle by winning a merit scholarship and securing the first rank in the University. He chose banking profession, where his career spanned across many reputed banks such as State Bank of India, Reserve Bank of India and NABARD. He was appointed Managing Director of NABARD in 1998 and subsequently the Chairman in 2000. NABARD made tremendous progress under his leadership from 1998 to 2003. He is considered to be the Father of MICRO Mr. YC Nanda, former Chairman, NABARD, Finance in India especially the Self Help Group Bank Linkage receiving the Life Time Achievement Award Programme, which has become the largest and the fastest growing micro finance outreach programme anywhere in the world. He has also chaired APRACA (Bangkok) during 1999-2001. In 2004 he was appointed as the Member of the National Commission on Farmers by the Government of India. Shri Nanda has also been a consultant to many International organizations of repute like the FAO, IFAD, UNOPS, GTZ and national institutions like NCER, SRTT etc. He was also appointed as the Chairman of the working group by the Planning Commission on agriculture credit and credit cooperatives for the formulation of the XI Five Year Plan. Shri Nanda is closely associated with a number of institutions in the field of micro finance, rural development and several management institutes as Trustee/ director, and is today the most recognized and admired face of Indias rural credit field.

Dr. M. Mahadevappa
Life Time Achievement Award 2009
Dr. Madappa Mahadevappa, an accomplished plant breeder, geneticist and seed scientist of international repute, has made significant contributions to green revolution in India, particularly in rice improvement for having pioneered hybrid rice research in India and developed first rice hybrid that intensified hybrid research in India. His research at IRRI, Philippines focussed on frontier areas like Rice - Ratoon Cropping Pattern and developing varieties for adverse soils. As an able administrator, he headed prestigious institutions like Agricultural University, Dharwad and Agriculture Scientists Recruitment Board. In his tenure UAS, Dharwad bagged ICARs Outstanding Institution Award in the year 2000. His Eco-friendly Parthenium Weed Management Technology is also widely acclaimed. Dr. Mahadevappa brought many radical changes to national institutions such as ICAR, CSIR, DBT and Commodity Boards. His recently completed Seed Village Project impacted 21 districts of Karnataka enhancing the income of more than 5000 farmers and also obviating their dependence on spurious and costly seeds. He has authored twenty books in English and Kannada, which have transmitted technology knowledge to the scientific and farming communities, Dr. M. Mahadevappa, former Chairman ASRB, and significantly contributed towards knowledge receiving the Life Time Achievement Award growth in agriculture at regional and national level.

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The State of Gujarat

State Agriculture Leadership Award 2009
In recent times, Gujarat has emerged as front runner in achieving higher agriculture growth with 9.6% average, owing to the proactive policies adopted by the state Government. The states innovative extension program Krishi Mahotsav has touched every village transferring knowledge and technology to farmers, thus underwriting success in enhancing agriculture production. Gujarat has emerged as the Cotton Bowl of India. Realizing that water is the lifeline of Agriculture Mr. PN Roy Chaudhary, Principal Secretary under the erratic monsoon, Gujarat Government has Agriculture, receiving the Award for Gujarat State achieving best growth in agriculture created the largest storage-cum-recharge program wherein nearly three lakh check dams, farm ponds and bandharas have been constructed. The innovative e-Krishi Kiran Program has made Soil Health Card of farm lands available to 17 lakhs farmers. Moreover, the program has also covered all villages for soil health monitoring so that farmers can do sensible nutrient management. Gujarat has extended IT connectivity to each village panchayat under eVishwagram Project. Uninterrupted power supply in agriculture under Jyotigram has provided great relief to farmers. The state has invested heavily in rural roads, Health Centers, Primary Education and Dairy infrastructure by institutionalized approach enabling the farmer community to achieve record production in many crops and spreading prosperity to rural areas.

State of Sikkim
State Leadership Award 2009
With a clear goal, policy thrust and dynamic leadership provided by the State Government to the development of horticulture, Sikkim achieved an increase of over 30%, in the production of horticulture since 1994 - 95. The state initiated several plans for promoting fruit cultivation with focus on non traditional fruits like kiwi and pear and succeeded in reviving the apple cultivation at Lachung Valley, after about three decades. The vegetable cultivation also received a major shot in the arm with the introduction of hybrid varieties and adoption of improved technologies, including protected cultivation. Sikkim has at present emerged as a front runner State in Cymbidium orchids with about 20 Ha area under this flower. Sikkim is the first State in the country aiming to be Organic. More than 8424 hectares area has been brought under organic certification. A revolutionary concept for water management has been introduced in this state with construction of community water tanks. East Sikkim has been declared as Agri Expo Zone for Floriculture and the whole of state as AEZ for Ginger and large Cardamom. Commercial mushroom production is a highly lucrative venture and to promote this sector, an Integrated Mushroom Unit is being set up. The state leads in cultivation of exotic flower species and outshines Mr. Dawcho Lepcha, Minister - Horticulture, the rest of the Indian states in the area of developing receiving the Award for Sikkim State achieving value added horticulture. best performance in horticulture

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The State of Maharashtra

The Best Performing Agriculture State Award 2009
Agriculture is an important source of livelihood to the rural people of Maharashtra. The State has taken many farsighted policy initiatives, leading to better management of farm resources, cropping diversification under NHM, promotion of seed production programs, extension reforms, launching soil health program, substantially expanding irrigation potential and strong market linkage system for farm produce, resulting into farmers taking up diversified cropping systems and innovative farming models, which have enhanced their Mr. Prabhakar Deshmukh, Commissioner returns and impacted the rural economy positively. The state Agriculture, receiving the Award for Maharashtra has emerged as the leader in the production of seedless Grapes, State achieving overall best performance in banana, mandarin oranges, onion and tomatoes. The state holds agriculture the distinction of having highest number of poly houses owned by small farmers for cultivation of flowers. Maharashtra also leads the sugar industry sector with 150 productive cooperative sugar mills. The State has the highest area under drip irrigation and thus stands first in the country. It is the first State to adopt Dry Land Farming Technology and a pioneer in Horticulture Development through EGS to promote higher income & more employment in farming sector. The State is also the torch bearer in Co-operative network.. The State has pioneered many new concepts in precision farming and agri marketing and today has the most diversified farming system. Its achievements assume much significance in the backdrop that the State has only 18% irrigated land. Besides strong policy initiatives by the State Government, the credit also goes to farmers for their hard work, innovations and entrepreneurial spirit.

Dr. AR Kidwai
Life Time Achievement Award 2009
A scientist, researcher, author, educationist, scholar and administrator par excellence, Dr. AR Kidwai is a distinguished son of the soil. Born in 1920 in Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh, he joined the freedom struggle under Mahatma Gandhi in 1930 onwards and actively participated in Quit India Movement in 1942. After his education at Jamia Millia Islamia, University of Illinois and Cornell in USA, Dr. Kidwai served AMU Aligarh as Professor and Dean, Faculty of Science from 1951 till 1967, when he joined Union Public Service Commission as Member and was quickly elevated and served as Chairman UPSC till 1979, when he was appointed as the Governor of Bihar and held the office till 1985. He was appointed as the Governor of Bihar the second time in 1993 and held the office till 1998. He also held the office of the Governor West Bengal from 1998 1999 and the Governor of Haryana from 2004 2009. During this period Dr. Kidwai also served as the Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, Chairman of Bombay Mercantile Bank, Chairman of Institute of Marketing & Management and the Chairman of Selection Committee of Scientists Pool, besides holding many other important positions. In all the offices that he served, Dr. Kidwai is credited for introducing transparency, reforms and taking landmark decisions. During his stints at UPSC, he took the historic decision of allowing the examination in all the Indian languages, and not necessarily the English. As Member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, Dr. Kidwai influenced the policies for better outreach of farm credit, marketing linkages, processing and the development of livestock sector. Dr. Kidwai Dr. AR Kidwai, former Governor of Haryana, is rarest of the rare, who served the nation for over six decades receiving Special Award for his contribution to with highest dedication, integrity and with great distinction. the agriculture sector

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