No matter that farmers’ suicide continues in the State due to drought-caused crop losses and debt burden, Odisha has won the Krishi Karman Award for the fourth time in the last five years.
The State would get the award in total food grains production in the Category II for the year 2014-15, Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy said on Saturday.
The award consists of a trophy, a citation and a cash amount of Rs 5 crore.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik tweeted, “Congratulate State’s hardworking farmers for Krishi Karman award for total food grains, 2014-15. This is 4th award in 5 years.”
Two progressive farmers will be selected from the State to get the Krishi Karman Award for Progressive Farmers’ at the award function.
“Our State has once again been selected for the prestigious Krishi Karman Award for the year 2014-15. Our State has won this award for the fourth time in the last five years and has been a trendsetter in agriculture for other States,” said a release from the Chief Minister’s Office.
The release said the State’s agricultural production has more than doubled in the last 15 years. Adoption of modern technology, continuously improving seed replacement ratio along with better irrigation and extension services have improved agricultural productivity substantially, added the release.