A Rs 3 lakh award to recognise farmers rewriting the rules of agriculture

Moodbidri: Farmers who are making agriculture economically viable through innovation, technology and sustainable practices will be in focus at the second edition of the Raithapeetha Awards 2027, instituted by agricultural entrepreneur Dr G. Ramakrishna Achar.

The awards, carrying a total prize money of Rs 3 lakh, will recognise three progressive farmers from Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. Each selected farmer will receive Rs 1 lakh. The official logo of the 2027 edition has been unveiled, and applications have been invited from eligible candidates.

The initiative seeks to recognise farmers who have demonstrated that even small and medium-sized landholdings can generate substantial returns through innovative approaches. Priority will be given to those engaged in sustainable, organic, cattle-based and technology-driven farming.

Dr Achar, founder of SKF Elixir India, said the idea behind the award was to bring successful farmers into the public spotlight and give them the recognition accorded to achievers in other professions.

He said his visits to developed countries, including Sydney in Australia, had exposed him to the high social regard enjoyed by farmers there. In India, farmers often remained under-recognised despite their contribution to society and the economy.

He pointed out that several farmers were building successful enterprises through fisheries, native poultry farming, beekeeping and the use of modern machinery, even with limited land resources. Their achievements demonstrated the scope for entrepreneurship and innovation in agriculture, he said.

Applications can be submitted through www.gaudhama.com until December 15, 2026. Farmers can apply themselves, while individuals can also nominate deserving candidates. Further information is available at 9164561789 and 9606429200.

The first edition of the award honoured B.K. Devaraya of Mittabagilu for conserving more than 200 traditional paddy varieties.

Dr Narendra Rai Derla, agriculture expert and writer; Deviprasad Shetty, educationist and entrepreneur; Prajwal Achar, managing director of SKF Elixir India; and Devraj S., senior director of sales and marketing, attended the logo unveiling. (eom)

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