Mahindra & Mahindra’s Farm Equipment Sector has announced the third edition of Samriddhi India Agri Awards 2013 (MSIAA 2013).
The awards have been conceptualised and launched in 2011 to recognise farmers and farm institutions, and their contributions, all of which form the backbone of the Indian economy.
“MSIAA 2013 highlights some of the most inspiring farmer stories in the agricultural community. The awards create an opportunity for us and the farming community to exchange knowledge and share best practices. We have created a unique platform where farmers, scientists, institutions, universities and policy-makers of the Government of India come together for introspection and deliberation while also reflecting on the methods by which agriculture can be modernised in India,” said Bishwambhar Mishra, chief executive, farm equipment sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
Meanwhile, Sanjeev Goyle, sr VP, marketing, farm equipment sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, commented, “In its first year, we received 11,000 farmer nominations which increased to over 19,000 in the second year. The nomination phase begins from November 10 to December 10, 2012, and this year we would like to set a new record in seeking nominations.”
The key objective of MSIAA is to enhance agricultural productivity through creative farming technologies, thereby leading to an increase in rural prosperity. As part of this concept, several Mahindra dealerships have been transformed into samriddhi centres offering the farmer easy access to technological know-how, hybrid seeds, soil and water testing facilities, demo farms, finance and insurance, Internet updates and sales and servicing of tractors and implements.
The award categories range across various sections which include Farmer of the Year (male/female), NGO, Self-Help Group of the Year, Best PSU, Agricultural University of the Year and the most coveted Lifetime Achievement Award. The new category of Best Young Farmer, which was introduced last year, would continue to encourage the younger lot of farmers this year as well. All the categories will have a national winner followed by the runner up from a regional level.
There are 8 award categories. Mahindra Samriddhi Krishak Samrat Samman / Farmer of the Year Award (Male), Krishi Prerna Samman / Farmer of the Year Award (Female), Yuva Samman / Farmer of the Year Award (Youth), Krishi Sansthan Samman / Recognition for Public Sector Organisation, Shiksha Samman / Recognition for Agricultural Universities, Mahindra Samriddhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra Samman / Recognition for KVK of the Year, Krishi Sahyog Samman / Recognition for NGOs / SHGs and the Krishi Shiromani Samman (Lifetime Achievement Award).
There are four categories of cash awards: National Level Cash Prizes for individuals and institutes - Rs 2,11,000. Regional Level Cash Prize for individuals - Rs 51,000. Runner- up Cash Prize for institutes - Rs 1,01,000 and Krishi Shiromani Samman – Rs 5,00,000.
