Punjab Government was honoured with the Jaivik India Award for the promotion and implementation of organic farming in the state. The award was received by Punjab Agro Director Sabin C, conferred by Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister for Commerce and Industries at an event in New Delhi.
The event was organized by International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA) with support from Government of Karnataka. ICCOA envisions becoming a ‘knowledge and learning centre’ for all facets of organic agriculture and works as an interface body of organic movement in the country.
A state government official said Punjab has been chosen under the category of Jaivik India Award of Best State Government/Agency represented by Punjab Agro in recognition with its efforts to promote organic farming and support organic farmers, next to the North Eastern state of Manipur. Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA) has been declared the best State Government agency supporting organic farming.
Punjab Government through Punjab Agri Export Corporation provides the much needed institutional support to the farmers of the state under various GOI schemes. A spokesperson said Punjab Agro was helping the farmers to market and sell their produce by purchasing organic wheat, basmati rice, maize and other crops at competitive prices after certification for selling the same.
Punjab has successfully brought 8000 acres with 2100 farmers under certified organic production. Punjab Agro has started processing the certified organic produce of the farmers in Organic processing units and has come out with various products under the brand name “Five Rivers.”
