Important Government Awards in Agriculture | Agricultural Awards in India: A Tribute to Innovation and Dedication

Agriculture has been a great support for the Indian economy, and the government greatly appreciates this excellent contribution to the area by giving awards for such work. It is these awards for excellence, innovation, and dedication among farmers, researchers, and institutions that are to be discussed below in this blog.

Table of Contents

List of Major Government Awards in Agriculture

1. Padma Awards

The Padma Awards - comprising Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri—rank among the highest civilian honours in India. These prestigious awards span multiple domains, including arts, literature, education, sports, social work, and science. Notably, they also acknowledge individuals for their significant contributions to the advancement and development of agriculture, horticulture, and related sectors.

Awarded by: The President of India.

2. Krishi Karman Award

The Krishi Karman Award recognizes states for outstanding food grain production. It encourages agricultural productivity, with winners receiving a cash prize and trophy, promoting best practices and national food security.

Awarded by: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.

3. ICAR Awards

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) gives numerous awards under various categories to promote research, innovations, and excellence in agriculture.

3.1 National Award for Excellence for Agricultural Institutions:

• Sardar Patel Outstanding ICAR Institution Award: Recognizes the best-performing ICAR institution.
• Chaudhary Devi Lal Outstanding All India Coordinated Research Project Award: Honors excellence in coordinated research projects.
• Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Krishi Vigyan Protshahan Puraskar: Acknowledges outstanding performance in agricultural extension services.

3.2 National Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research:

• Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award for Outstanding Research in Agricultural Sciences: Recognizes significant research contributions.
• Lal Bahadur Shastri Outstanding Young Scientist Award: Celebrates the achievements of young scientists.
• Panjabrao Deshmukh Outstanding Woman Scientist Award: Honors exceptional contributions by women scientists.
• Jawaharlal Nehru Award for P.G. Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Research in Agricultural and Allied Sciences: Recognizes outstanding doctoral research.

3.3 National Award for Application of Agricultural Technologies:

• Nanaji Deshmukh ICAR Award for Outstanding Interdisciplinary Team Research in Agricultural and Allied Sciences: Acknowledges interdisciplinary research efforts.
• Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Award for Outstanding Research in Tribal Farming Systems: Recognizes innovations in tribal agriculture.
• Swami Sahajanand Saraswati Outstanding Extension Scientist Award: Honors excellence in agricultural extension.
• Vasantrao Naik Award for Outstanding Research Application in Dry Land Farming Systems: Recognizes contributions to dry land farming.

3.4 National Award for Innovations and Technology Development by Farmers

• Jagjivan Ram Abhinav Kisan Puruskar/Jagjivan Ram Innovative Farmer Award: Celebrates innovative farmers.
• N.G. Ranga Farmer Award for Diversified Agriculture: Recognizes diversification in agriculture.
• Haldhar Organic Farmer Award: Honors achievements in organic farming.
• Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Antyodaya Krishi Puraskar: Recognizes outstanding contributions to rural agriculture.

4. Borlaug Award

The Borlaug Award, conferred by Coromandel International since 1972, recognizes outstanding Indian scientists for their contributions to agriculture and the environment. Named after Nobel Laureate Norman E. Borlaug, it includes a cash prize of ₹5,00,000, a gold medal, and a citation.

Note: The award should not be confused with the IFA Norman Borlaug Award from the International Fertilizer Industry Association or the Borlaug Award for Field Research from the World Food Prize Foundation.

5. Plant Genome Saviour Awards

These awards recognize the contributions of individuals and organizations in conserving plant genetic resources to safeguard traditional varieties and promote biodiversity.

Awarded by: The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority.

6. National Award for Agriculture Marketing Excellence

The National Award for Agriculture Marketing Excellence recognizes outstanding contributions to agricultural marketing in India. It honours individuals and organizations for innovative practices, with winners receiving a cash prize and citation. The award aims to enhance farmers' income and market access.

Awarded by: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare.

7. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Antyodaya Krishi Puraskar

The Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Antyodaya Krishi Puraskar honours contributions to agriculture and rural development in India. It recognizes farmers, cooperatives, and institutions for innovative practices. Recipients receive a cash prize and citation, promoting sustainable agriculture and rural upliftment.

Awarded by: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare.

Important Government Awards in Animal Husbandry in India

1. National Gopal Ratna Award

The National Gopal Ratna Award honours outstanding contributions to the dairy sector in India. Established in 2019, it recognizes individuals, cooperatives, and organizations for excellence in dairy farming, animal husbandry, and livestock welfare. Awardees receive a cash prize, citation, and trophy, promoting best practices and sustainable development in the dairy industry.

Awarded by: The Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

2. National Kamdhenu Awards

The National Kamdhenu Awards recognize excellence in cattle breeding and animal husbandry in India. Established to promote innovative practices, they honour individuals and organizations contributing to livestock development. Awardees receive a cash prize, citation, and trophy, aimed at enhancing livestock awareness and sustainable practices.

Awarded by: The Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

Important Government Awards in Forestry in India

1. Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar (IGPP)

The Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar (IGPP) recognizes individuals and organizations for significant contributions to environmental protection in India. Recipients receive a cash prize and citation, promoting awareness and sustainable practices.

Awarded by: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

2. Mahavriksha Puraskar

The Mahavriksha Puraskar honours contributions to tree planting and forest conservation in India. It recognizes individuals and organizations with a cash prize and citation, promoting afforestation and environmental sustainability.

Awarded by: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

3. Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award

The Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award recognizes individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation in India. Recipients receive a cash prize and citation, promoting awareness and grassroots efforts in protecting wildlife.

Awarded by: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Conclusion

These government awards play a crucial role in recognizing and encouraging excellence in agriculture, animal husbandry, and forestry in India. By honouring innovative practices and outstanding contributions, they inspire individuals and institutions to strive for greater achievements in these vital sectors.

Keywords: Government awards in agriculture, Indian agriculture awards, Padma Awards, Krishi Karman Award, ICAR Awards, agriculture recognition.