Scaria Pillai C.J. Wins Top Honor at Kerala State Farm Awards 2024

Quick Summary

• Scaria Pillai C.J., from Nallepilli, Palakkad, won the 2024 State-level Sibi Kallingal Memorial Karshakothama Award for the best farmer. Cash prize: ₹2 lakh.
• Minister for Agriculture P. Prasad announced 46 awards in various categories.
• Vani V. of Harippad, Alappuzha, won the ‘Karshakathilakam’ award for best woman farmer (₹1 lakh).
• Vinodini of Krishnapuram, Alappuzha, awarded for best transgender farmer (introduced first time).
• Varghese Thomas from Pathanamthitta received an award for being a differently-abled farmer.
• Cicil Chandran B.C., Thiruvananthapuram, won the award for hi-tech farming excellence.
• Fuselage Innovation Pvt ltd at KINFRA Hi-Tech Park in Kalamassery received recognition as best start-up.
• Meenangadi grama panchayat was awarded agricultural excellence among local bodies (₹10 lakh prize).
• Thanaloor Krishi Bhavan in Malappuram bagged V.V. Raghavan award (₹5 lakh), while Thumbidi Karippayi Paadasekhara Samithi in Palakkad earned Nelkathir Award (₹3 lakh).
• Other notable winners:

– Best organic farmer: Ramlath Alhad (Ernakulam)
– Best young farmer: Monu Varghese Mammen (Ernakulam)
– Haritha Mithra awardee: R. Sivadasan
– Best mushroom farmer: Rahul N.V., Kannur
– Best apiculturist: Umarali Shihab T.A.
– Top tribal community in organic farming: Abbannur Ooru, Puthur (Palakkad)

Other achievements:
minimol J.S.,Cocoa Research Center professor at kerala Agricultural University awarded M.S. Swaminathan honor.awards ceremony scheduled on Farmers’ day on August 17 in Thrissur.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The State Farm Awards highlight Kerala’s proactive approach to recognizing diverse contributions within agriculture-from customary practices to innovation-driven methods such as hi-tech farming and organic cultivation. the inclusion of new categories like transgender and differently-abled farmers reflects progressive social values promoting equity and representation across all demographics.

By incentivizing excellence with cash prizes ranging up to ₹10 lakh and introducing recognitions like tribal community awards or honors for research professionals such as Minimol J.S., these efforts aim to strengthen grassroots agricultural sustainability while encouraging innovation through platforms like start-ups.With broader implications for India’s agrarian economy-where challenges include technology adaptation and inclusivity-the awards foster motivation while potentially setting benchmarks nationwide toward equitable resource allocation and innovation-led growth within agriculture.

Read more: the Hindu