In a celebration of innovation and dedication in the agricultural sector, News18 Lokmat hosted its prestigious ‘Krishi Ratna Sanman’ awards, recognizing the remarkable achievements of Maharashtra’s farmers.

Held in Pune, the event honored twelve farmers for their pioneering contributions to agriculture, emphasizing the importance of modern practices in transforming the state’s farming landscape.

The awards recognized achievements across various sectors, including water conservation, organic farming, sustainable crop practices, and the use of technology in agriculture. The honorees were commended for their ingenuity and commitment to advancing the quality and efficiency of farming in Maharashtra.

Among the notable awardees were Dilip Bajgude, Seema Jadhav, Vijay Daud, Dr. Manmohan Bajaj, Harishchandra Desai & Mithilesh Desai, Ganesh Rathod, Priyanka Shelke, Dr. Somnath Mane, Ujjwal Patil, Prakash Kini, Nilesh Gosavi, and Gyaneshwar Bodake. These individuals have shown exemplary dedication to progressive farming and have set benchmarks in their respective fields.

The event was graced by Maharashtra’s Agricultural Minister, Dhananjay Munde, who was the chief guest of the evening. In his speech, Munde praised the farmers for their hard work and innovation, noting, “These farmers are the backbone of our economy and our future. Their efforts in adopting new farming technologies and practices are vital for sustainable growth.”

Munde further highlighted the critical role that agriculture plays in the state’s economy and the need to embrace innovative practices that ensure long-term sustainability. He acknowledged the farmers as key drivers of change and progress in Maharashtra’s agriculture.

The ‘Krishi Ratna Sanman’ awards were co-powered by Finolex Pipes & Fittings and Reliance Industries Ltd. Other key partners included Money 2 Me Finance Pvt Ltd as the Finance Partner, Poorva Chemtech Ltd & Pawak Food Products Pvt Ltd as Special Partners, and Associate Sponsors Maharashtra State Seeds Corporation Limited and Rambandhu Masale.

The event successfully highlighted the importance of acknowledging the often-underappreciated contributions of farmers and showcased their potential to drive agricultural innovation and success in the state.