Punjab Agricultural University invites applications for Innovative Farmer Awards 2024

NEW DELHI: The extension education directorate of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has invited applications from the farmers of the state for the Innovative Farmer Awards 2024.

The selected farmers will be felicitated during the PAU Kisan Mela in March 2024 for their excellence in agriculture, horticulture and allied occupations.

Extension education director GS Buttar said Chief Minister Award in Agriculture, carrying a cash prize of Rs 25,000 and a plaque and citation, will be bestowed on the self-cultivating farmer of field crops in Punjab. The Chief Minister Award in Horticulture, carrying a cash prize of Rs 25,000 and a plaque and citation, will be awarded to the self-cultivating farmer of horticultural crops, he added. Three CRI Pumps Award, each carrying a cash prize of Rs 10,000 along with a plaque and citation, will be presented to the farmers in sections for adoption of improved water management technologies, farm mechanisation and organic farming, respectively, he said.

Sardarni Parkash Kaur Sra Memorial Award, carrying a cash prize of Rs 5,000 and a plaque and citation, will be awarded to the self-cultivating progressive farmers in agriculture, horticulture, floriculture and allied agriculture enterprises, he said.

The director also informed that one award will be presented at regional research station, Bathinda. “The Jathedar Guraditta Singh Mahal Award, carrying a cash prize of Rs 10,000 and a plaque and citation, will be given to the self-cultivating innovative farmer or farm woman in the field of horticulture (minimum 70% area should be under horti-crops), he said.

How to apply

Buttar said that the application forms for the awards could be obtained from associate/deputy directors (training) of krishi vigyan kendras, directors of regional stations, district extension specialists (senior most), farm advisory service centres, chief agriculture officers, deputy directors of horticulture in different districts of the state and directorate of extension education, PAU.

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The last date for the receipt of applications in the office of PAU Director of Extension Education is December 29, 2023, he said. For each award, a separate application will be accepted, he added. Buttar urged the farmers to apply for the ‘Innovative Farmer Awards 2024’ in time.