New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): President Pranab Mukherjee, who presented 'Krishi Karman Awards' to eight states for their achievements in foodgrain production in 2011-12 at a function here on Tuesday, highlighted the challenges faced by the agriculture sector. Congratulating the award winning States and farmers, President Mukherjee expressed hope that the strategies adopted in the recent past and new technologies would further strengthen this sector. Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Manipur and Nagaland received the awards for special contribution to total foodgrains production. Bihar received the award for contribution to production and productivity of rice, Haryana for wheat, Jharkhand for pulses and Uttar Pradesh for coarse cereals. Punjab, Uttarakhand, Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh received commendation awards. The awards were received by Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Manipur and Agriculture Ministers/ Agriculture Secretaries of other States. For the first time, one female and one male farmer from the eight award winning states were also given awards for their outstanding performance. Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar speaking on the occasion said 'there are two significant developments in production of foodgrains in the country in 2011-12' " One, there is broadening of the food production basket, with as many as 18 States qualifying for awards with record production in the year," said Pawar. "Second, there is a definite shift in production base with inclusion of hitherto low productivity States like Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Nagaland in the award winners list ahead of many better known names in foodgrains production. Krishi Karman Awards are serving their purpose in letter and in spirit by highlighting the good work in relatively unsung places," he added. (ANI), Source: News-Track-India
