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 distinguished guests included Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member of NITI Aayog; Dr. Raja Ram Tripathi, a progressive 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 Medicinal Plant Board Chhattisgarh. An auspicious lamp-lighting ceremony was held to mark the occasion, signifying the official commencement of this prestigious event.
Prof. (Dr.) Ramesh Chand, Member of NITI Aayog (Chief Guest), acknowledged both the positive and negative aspects of agriculture, noting that while agriculture once came first, it is now often viewed alongside other career options. He commended Krishi Jagran for celebrating farmers and highlighting the potential of agriculture as a profitable career. Dr. Chand emphasized the government’s efforts to reduce the risks in agriculture through schemes like PMFBY and highlighted advancements in technology that are providing more accurate results.
He also addressed key issues like the long-standing urea pricing policy, irrigation, and agricultural infrastructure, stressing the challenges posed by small land holdings in India compared to other countries. He advocated for agricultural diversification, urging farmers to incorporate horticulture and animal husbandry alongside traditional field crops to enhance productivity and profitability.
Dr Himanshu Pathak - Secretary-DARE & Director General, ICAR, highlighted the vastness of agriculture, emphasizing that it encompasses not only culture and business but much more. Reflecting on India’s agricultural progress since independence, he noted the shift from dependency on other countries to self-sufficiency, with India now not only exporting but also providing affordable or free food to poorer nations. He acknowledged the ongoing challenges in agriculture, such as climate change, market fluctuations, and technological gaps, and explained that ICAR is actively working on solutions to address these issues.
Pathak further emphasized that India cannot become a developed nation by 2047 without first transforming its agricultural sector. He outlined five key priorities for the future of Indian agriculture: (1) it must be nature-friendly, (2) technology-driven, with a focus on developing climate-resilient varieties, (3) market-friendly to ensure farmers get fair value, (4) youth and gender-inclusive, appealing to the next generation, and (5) culture-friendly, preserving traditional agricultural practices. Pathak urged all stakeholders to collaborate to make these goals a reality and drive India's agricultural development forward.
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.
Bharat Bhushan Tyagi, Padmashree Awardee expressed his deep connection with Krishi Jagran and congratulated the entire team for their efforts in promoting agriculture. He acknowledged the success of the Green Revolution, which played a pivotal role in India’s agricultural growth during challenging times, praising the researchers behind it. However, Tyagi emphasized that the future of agriculture should focus more on nature-centric research. He highlighted the need for India to evolve from being a mere producer of agricultural goods to a self-reliant, economically strong nation. This transformation requires farmers not only to produce but also to reach markets, innovate, and embrace entrepreneurship. He urged Krishi Jagran to expand the MFOI Awards by adding new categories that recognize farmers who excel in marketing, entrepreneurship, and business development, promoting a more multidimensional approach to agriculture.
Tyagi further stressed the importance of addressing the gap between farmers and businessmen who often profit from agricultural produce. He pointed out that while businessmen control pricing, farmers struggle to determine the value of their products. After the Green Revolution, India shifted towards market-centric agriculture, which made the economic system linear, leaving farmers with a smaller share of the income. Tyagi called for a production-based economy where farmers are not only producers but also processors and marketers, ensuring better income and market access. He urged NITI Aayog and the government to adopt policies that promote this integrated approach and transform the agricultural sector—not just by renaming policies but by fundamentally changing the way agriculture is approached and supported.
Dr. Shailendra Singh, COO of Zydex Agri Division, discussed the challenges of transitioning from chemical to natural farming, particularly with fertilizers, organic matter, and water management. Zydex has developed solutions, including a cow dung fertilizer that matures in 40-45 days and a polymer-based technology to improve soil structure. He urged support for evidence-based solutions and shared the success story of a Kinnow farmer who transitioned to organic farming. Dr. Singh encouraged farmers to adopt these new technologies for sustainable growth.
Ahmed Ali Obaid Al Hefeti, a progressive farmer from the UAE, shared his unique journey from healthcare management to pursuing his passion for plantation as a business. He began by importing rare plants from Africa, Asia, and Europe to the UAE, eventually expanding into cocoa plantation. He introduced cocoa fruits from Uganda and started with 2,000 cocoa plants, which has now grown to 5,000 plants in the UAE. Al Hefeti expressed his excitement about the future of cocoa cultivation in the UAE and thanked Krishi Jagran for inviting him. He emphasized the honor of being recognized as a farmer, appreciating the global platform that celebrates agricultural achievements.
Roger Tripathi – Chairman, CEO & Co-Founder, Global BioAg Linkages expressed his deep commitment to globalizing farming by empowering farmers through knowledge, innovation, and technology. He emphasized that India, traditionally a consumption hub, has the potential to become an innovation hub, as its economy is deeply rooted in agriculture. He highlighted the MFOI campaign as a platform to connect global farmers, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration. Roger stressed that for farmers to thrive, they must think like businessmen, as this mindset is essential for growth. He concluded by stating that the success of farmers in every country is crucial for the growth and development of nations worldwide.
Dr Raja Ram Tripathi - Winner of MFOI 2023, Maa Danteshwari Herbal Group expressed his thoughts from the heart of Indian agriculture at ICAR, calling it the "Makka Madina" of farming. He questioned the paradox where agriculture, which should be a thriving business, often leads to losses for farmers while industries related to food make profits. He highlighted the tragedy of farmer suicides in many states, asking how this can be considered "culture." Despite decades of efforts by scientists, policymakers, and industry, he emphasized that agriculture continues to face numerous challenges, including chemical dependency and protests.
Tripathi emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for organic farming, making it essential for the future. He also warned about climate change disrupting agricultural cycles, especially affecting crops like wheat in the rabi season. Sharing his own techniques to combat these challenges, Tripathi thanked Krishi Jagran for their support and urged all stakeholders to back farmers. He encouraged farmers to continuously upskill, as knowledge is key, and called on the younger generation to embrace agriculture, which is a necessity that cannot be outsourced.
Dr Manoj Nardeosingh - Secretary General, AARDO, expressed gratitude to the organizers and congratulated the awardees for their achievements, emphasizing the growing recognition of farmers. He credited Krishi Jagran for taking a historic step in celebrating farmers, highlighting the significant increase in awardees this year. He spoke about the importance of productivity, technology, and profitability in agriculture, while also addressing the challenges faced by farmers. AARDO’s focus is on providing solutions, particularly through its network of over 30 government countries, facilitating technology transfer and capacity-building programs in collaboration with ICAR.
He also highlighted the importance of recognizing farmers' contributions as a model to be replicated in other countries. AARDO stressed the significance of food and nutrition security and the need for government support for the farming community. The MFOI Awards, he said, are not just about financial success but also about recognizing courage, innovation, and the wisdom to blend tradition with future-facing confidence. AARDO praised India’s leadership in the Global South and its successful technology transfer initiatives. Lastly, he emphasized that while agriculture faces numerous challenges, collective efforts can lead to effective solutions.
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.
In a significant development during the MFOI Awards 2024, 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.
Following this, Chief Guest Ramesh Chand, Ajay Mishra, and other dignitaries presented trophies to the millionaire farmers in recognition of their exceptional achievements.
