Thiruvananthapuram: Renowned farmer Cheruvayal Raman has been selected for the Oommen Chandy Award for Comprehensive Contribution to Agriculture, instituted by the Kerala Agriculture Department in the name of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

The newly introduced award carries a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh and a certificate. It is for the first time that the award is being presented for comprehensive contribution.

The Sibi Kallingal Memorial Karshakothama Award has been awarded to Raja Narayanan of Thiruvilwamala, while the Kera Kesari Award has gone to K.K. Xaviour of Chakkittapara, Kozhikode. Both awardees will receive Rs 2 lakh each.

Agriculture Minister T. Siddique announced the winners of the various agriculture awards, including the newly instituted categories, at a press conference.

The award in the name of former Chief Minister C. Achutha Menon will be shared by Koduvalli Block Panchayat and Ulikkal Grama Panchayat, with each receiving Rs 5 lakh.

The V.V. Raghavan Memorial Award has been awarded to Kuttoor Krishi Bhavan, which will receive Rs 5 lakh.

The K. Viswanathan (Mithranikethan) Memorial Nelkathir Award has gone to the Nenmeni Paddy Producer Padashekhara Samiti, carrying a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh.

The Gottiyarkandi Unnathi tribal settlement in Attappady, which works on traditional farming, seed conservation and crop conservation, will receive Rs 2 lakh under the heritage agriculture category.

Farmers among this year's award winners

The Organic Farmer Award has gone to Shajahan V.Y. of Kodungallur, while Hashik K. of Pozhuthana, Wayanad, has been named the Young Farmer Award winner. Both awards carry a prize of Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively.

Other Rs 1 lakh awards include:

  • Harithamithra: Rajeesh K., Taliparamba, Kannur
  • Hi-Tech Farmer: Pushpahas P., Chithara, Kollam
  • Karshakajyothi: Kishore V., Kadaplamattom, Kottayam
  • Beekeeper: Aneesh K.P., Wandoor, Malappuram
  • Karshakathilakam (Woman): Savithri K., Pullur-Periya, Kasaragod

Two new categories have also been introduced this year. Anitha M. Kasim of Anitha Manzil, Fathimapuram, Changanassery, has won the Terrace Farming Award, while Dolly Varghese of Padipuraykkal, Nagambadam, Kottayam, has been selected for the Udyana Sreshta Award. Both will receive Rs 50,000.

Until now, agriculture awards had been presented in 35 categories.

Several awards carry Rs 50,000 prize

The Shrama Shakti Award will be shared by Sunilal V. Idava and Sreenoj K.S. of Thirunelli, Wayanad.

The other Rs 50,000 awards are:

  • Karshaka Bharathi Award– Print Media: Jithin Jose, Malayala Manorama, Alappuzha
  • New Media: Abhilash Karimulakkal, Alappuzha
  • Visual Media: Manoj S., Assistant Director of Agriculture, Digital University
  • Mushroom Farming: Sachin G. Pai, Nutri Buds Mushroom Farm, Parappa, Kasaragod
  • Fruit Processing: Juz crush, Thiruvali, Malappuram
  • Educational Institution: Siddhartha Central School, Nedumpana, Kollam
  • Special School: Carmel Jyothi, Adimali, Idukki
  • Vegetable Stall: Kinaramukku Payam, Ettukudukku, Kannur
  • Public Sector Institution: Central Prison and Correctional Home, Kannur
  • Private Institution: Peermade Development Society, Idukki
  • Farmer with Disability: Thorappa Musthafa, Kodur, Malappuram

Rs 25,000 awards

  • The Karshakothama Award will be shared by Agro Service Centre, Nileshwaram, Kasaragod, and Poruvazhy Karshika Karma Sena, Kollam.
  • The School Farmer-Student Award has gone to Adithyan K.A. of Karukayil Cherthala South Government HSS.

Other awards in this category include:

  • FPO/FPC: Pala Santhom Farmer Producer Company
  • Primary Agricultural Credit Society: Aluva Veliyathunadu Service Cooperative Society
  • M.S. Swaminathan Award for Agricultural Research: Dr Hasina Bhaskar
  • Residents' Association: Snehasangamam, Kannur, Azhikode
  • Agriculture Officer: Mohammed Muneer Bilal, Vazhayur Krishi Bhavan, Malappuram
  • Agriculture Officer/Assistant: Hasna P.A., Unnikulam Krishi Bhavan, Kozhikode; Satheesh M., Perumatty Krishi Bhavan, Palakkad; Shinu S., Kalliyoor Krishi Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram
  • Engineer: Viniya V.S., Kottayam

The awardees in the final categories will receive plaques and certificates.

The Agriculture Department said no award has been given in the transgender category as no nominations were received.

The awards, including plaques and cash prizes, will be presented by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan at the state Farmers' Day celebrations on Chingam 1 (August 17) at the Ashis Convention Centre in Kalamassery, Ernakulam, the minister said.