Agro-innovators shine at first Kisan of India Samman

Agro entrepreneurs on Thursday here showcased their path-breaking innovations at the first-ever Kisan of India Samman 2025.  It is hosted by one of India’s most trustworthy digital platform dedicated to to honouring the extraordinary contribution of India’s farmers.

Amit Soni, an entrepreneur from Jodhpur, Rajasthan whose bakery products made out of millets have become the toast of Parliament and global events, shared his journey with the audience. He recounted how his chocolate truffle cake made of bajra was cut in Parliament and appreciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sana Khan, who attained popularity after Prime Minister Modi lauded her efforts at vermicomposting in the program Mann ki Baat, exhorted the youth to take up agriculture. Saying the country’s future lay with farming, she said, “We encourage people to stay with farming and incorporate modern techniques.”

Khema Ram Choudhary, a progressive farmer from Jaipur, Rajasthan presents the modern face of agriculture in India. He uses the hydroponic NFT system to grow crops in polyhouses over 8 acres of dry land. Chaudhary was one among seven farmers honoured on the occasion.

Lauding the efforts of these agricultural heroes, Dr Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) said in a video message that these farmers were setting a bright example for millions of Indian farmers with their innovative farming techniques.

Dr Rajarshi Roy Burman, Additional Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR presented the awards to the winners from seven categories.  Appreciating the contribution of farmers, he said, “Farmer is the biggest researcher who experiments on the soil every day.” Felicitating the farmers with him was actor-farmer Rajesh Kumar who attained popularity with his role in the sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. He shared his experience of turning to farming and expressed the hope that he would become the voice of India for the farmers.  

Speaking at the inaugural session, Anil Dhasmana, former Secretary, Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and former Chairman of National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) said, “We have to provide a connect for farmers in remote areas with today’s innovations and thinking.”

Calling for increased millet farming, Vinod Mishra, Country Manager, United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) said, “Millets will be the second revolution after the Green revolution.”

The Kisan of India Samman 2025, hosted by one of India’s most trustworthy digital platform dedicated to farming- Kisan of India, is a prestigious annual event dedicated to honouring the extraordinary contribution of India’s farmers.

The jury included eminent personalities from the fields of agriculture and media- Padma Sethpal Singh, renowned farmer, Dr. Shailendra Rajan, Former Director, ICAR– Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow, Prof. A. P. Rao, Former Director, Extension, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh and Pratap Somvanshi, Managing Editor, Dainik Hindustan.

The event honoured outstanding farmers across seven categories- organic/natural farming, protected cultivation, food processing, agricultural start-up, dairy farming, fisheries and new tech in agriculture. Banyan Infomedia Pvt Ltd operates an extensive digital ecosystem through its platforms Kisan of India and DNN24, which together reach over 30 million+ viewers per month across India.