On September 09, 2024, Swaraj Tractors, a Mahindra Group entity and a leading name in Indian agriculture, proudly hosted the 05th edition of the Agritech Summit & Swaraj Awards in New Delhi. The event, organized in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), celebrated the remarkable contributions of farmers and agricultural institutions over the past year.
The summit, themed "The Future of Farming: Sowing the Seeds of Change," was honored by the presence of Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, who praised Swaraj Tractors for its continued dedication to supporting small and marginal farmers. He further stated, Agriculture is the backbone of the economy, which needs to be self-reliant. He spoke at length about digital agriculture mission while congratulating the recipients of Swaraj Awards 2024.
Dr. Chaturvedi attended the event on behalf of the Hon'ble Union Minister of Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who was unable to participate in person. The agriculture minister shared a heartfelt video message, expressing his regret for missing the event due to attending a prayer meeting for his late uncle, who passed away a few days ago.
Harish Chavan, CEO of the Swaraj Division, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the importance of agriculture and mechanization in realizing the vision of “Viksit Bharat". He stated, "As India aspires to become a developed nation, agriculture must lead the charge. With one of the highest agricultural GDPs globally, we can’t just aim for food sufficiency—we must position ourselves as the world's food basket. By embracing innovation, sustainable practices, and modern infrastructure, Indian agriculture can transform into a globally competitive sector. The challenges of climate change and attracting youth to farming can be overcome through mechanization and technology, paving the way for a vibrant and prosperous future."
The event included panel discussions featuring prominent dignitaries and government officials, with a focus on the future of agriculture. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including agricultural governance, technological transformation, precision farming in ornamental horticulture and allied sectors, agricultural innovation, and financial inclusion for farmers.
The awardees for the Agritech Summit & Swaraj Awards 2024 were selected by a distinguished jury consisting of Shri Sundeep Nayak, IAS (Retd), Former Director General of the National Productivity Council; Prof R B Singh, Padma Bhushan, Immediate Past Chancellor of Central Agricultural University and Past President of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences; D N Thakur, National President of Sahakar Bharati; Dr. Anil Kumar, ADG of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR); and Suchetna Ray, Editor of Outlook Business and Chief Strategy Officer of the Outlook Group.
Winners List at the 05th Agritech Summit & Swaraj Awards 2024
Sr. No |
Award Category |
Place |
Person |
1 |
Out Standing KVK |
Murshidabad Additional (Sargachhi) |
Dr. Sujan Biswas |
2 |
Out Standing KVK |
KVK Pune-I |
Dr. Dheeraj Angadrao Shinde |
3 |
Out Standing KVK |
KVK- Jhunjhunu |
Dr. Dayanand |
4 |
Out Standing KVK |
KVK, Kurnool 1 (Yagantipalli), Andhra Pradesh |
Dr. Dhanalakshmi Guduru |
|
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1 |
Outstanding FPOs |
Melliphera Farmer Producer Company Limited, Bathinda |
Preet Vikram Singh |
2 |
Outstanding FPOs |
Uttaran Krishi Producer Company Ltd, Kaniha, Rangia, Kamrup |
Amal Bharali |
|
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1 |
Outstanding Scientists |
KVK, Kalaburagi-I |
Dr. Raju G Teggelli |
2 |
Outstanding Scientists |
KVK, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya |
Dr. M. Mokidul Islam |
|
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1 |
Outstanding Institutes / Agricultural Universities |
Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, Manipur |
Dr. Tilak Raj Sharma |
2 |
Outstanding Institutes / Agricultural Universities |
Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Shiksha O Anusandhan, Bhubaneshwar |
Dr. Santosh K Rout |
3 |
Outstanding Institutes / Agricultural Universities |
Indian Institute of Plantation Management, Ministry of Commerce and Industries, GIO, Bangalore |
Prof S John Mano Raj |
|
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1 |
Outstanding Farmer Cooperative |
Namdevrao Khot Karyakari Vikas Society Barilgaon (PACS) |
Mangesh Bendkhale, Direcor |
2 |
Outstanding Farmer Cooperative |
National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL) |
Pankaj Bansal, Chairman |
3 |
Outstanding Farmer Cooperative |
Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti (BBSSL) |
Yogender Kumar, Chairman |
|
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1 |
Outstanding State / UT |
Jharkhand State (Department of Agriculture) |
Dr. Tarachand, Director, Agriculture |
|
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1 |
Outstanding Individual |
Mr. Chaudhary Kamrajbhai Daljibhai |
Chaudhary Kamrajbhai Daljibhai |
2 |
Outstanding Individual |
Ms Nandini Roy, Madhyamgram, West Bengal |
Nandini Roy |
|
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1 |
Innovation Excellence |
Shri. Gulab Singh Lodhi, Narsinghpur, M.P. |
Gulab Singh Lodhi |
2 |
Innovation Excellence |
Thipuzu village under KVK, Phek, Nagaland |
Nuzolu Chuzho |
|
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1 |
Sustainable Farming |
KVK Rudraprayag |
Dr. Sanjay Sachan |
2 |
Sustainable Farming |
Avimanyu Aich, Bonth Block, Bhadrak (Organic Farming) |
Abhimanyu Aich |
|
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1 |
Trailblazing Startup Organization |
Vandhan Shakti Mahila Producer Company, Village: Suthar Madra, Tehsil: Gogunda, Distt: Udaipur |
Devi Singh Chouhan |
2 |
Trailblazing Startup Organization |
Sikkol Foods, promoted by KVK Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh |
Tammineni Muralikrishna |
|
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1 |
Champion Women Farmer Change makers |
KVK Dahod, Gujarat |
Mal Fulvantiben Hursingbhai |
2 |
Champion Women Farmer Change makers |
Sardarpura, Jodhpur |
Bhawana Sharma |
3 |
Champion Women Farmer Change makers |
KVK, West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya |
Angela Shangoi |
4 |
Champion Women Farmer Change makers |
KVK, Khowai |
Manika Debbarma |
5 |
Champion Women Farmer Change makers |
Kondapalem Mandal, Butchayyapeta |
Shaik Yakubi |
|
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1 |
Exemplary Traditional and Indigenous Crops |
Karcham, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh |
Narender Negi |
2 |
Exemplary Traditional and Indigenous Crops |
Turgarh, Phalasiya, Udaipur |
Heera Lal Patel |
The awards underscore the brand's dedication to acknowledging and inspiring those who contribute to India's agricultural advancement.