1^st Prize – Nathani Upendrbhai Dayabhai (Gujarat)

2^nd Prize – Malleshappa Gulappa Bisirotti (Karnataka)

3^rd Prize – Devaraddi Agasanakoppa (Karnataka); Rawal Chand (Rajasthan); Urmila Ur Rubi Pareek (Rajasthan)

◊ By Pure & Eco India

 Note: To find organic products and organic ingredient suppliers in India, buy the Organic Directory 

Recognising the contribution of organic farmers towards strengthening the entire ecosystem of organic farming, Organic India Private Limited (‘Organic India’), in association with the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival, on February 21, 2022, felicitated the top 5 organic farmers with Dharti Mitr Awards while celebrating the grandeur of Indian Cinema and commemorating 75 years of Independence (Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav).

The Dharti Mitr Awards were conceived by Organic India in the year 2017 to honour the efforts of organic farmers across the country, not just in growing crops without chemical inputs but also in balancing the ecosystem and creating innovative self-sustaining farming models. The awards also offer a platform for organic farmers across the country to share their innovation and cross populate their learnings. The winner of the first Dharti Mitr award in 2017, Bharat Bhushan Tyagi, was bestowed with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India in 2019.

The winners of the Dharti Mitr Awards 2021 are Nathani Upendrbhai Dayabhai from Gujarat, who won the first prize of INR. 5 lakhs; Malleshappa Gulappa Bisirotti from Karnataka who won the second prize of INR. 3 lakhs. The third prize of INR. 1 lakh each went to Devaraddi Agasanakoppa from Karnataka, and Rawal Chand and Urmila Ur Rubi Pareek from Rajasthan.

Organic farmer Nathani Upendrbhai Dayabhai (2nd from left) from Gujarat won the first prize of INR. 5 Lakhs. On the left: Subrata Dutta, Group Managing Director, Organic India, with Bollywood actress Lara Dutta and Col. Tushar Joshi on the right

Farmer Malleshappa Gulappa Bisirotti from Karnataka won the second prize of INR. 3 Lakhs

Urmila Ur Rubi Pareek from Rajasthan won the third prize of INR. 1 Lakh

Rawal Chand from Rajasthan also won the third prize of INR. 1 Lakh

As did organic farmer Devaraddi Agasanakoppa from Karnataka

Commenting on the relentless efforts made by the farmers, Subrata Dutta, Group Managing Director, Organic India, said, “Our farmers play a very crucial role in the ecology, economy and the society, at large. The Dharti Mitr Awards were conceptualised to celebrate our relationship with individual farmers that is built on interconnectedness – an approach that seeks to boost their confidence; the core objective of the event is to highlight the farmers’ exceptional innovations in the field of organic farming.”

William Nanda Bissell, Chairman, Fabindia, said, “Organic farming plays an important role in the sustainable and environment-friendly growth of India. This appreciation by Organic India will strengthen the confidence of farmers and further build the organic farming ecosystem in India.”

Dr Ashok Yadav, Advisor, Ministry of Agriculture, said, “Dharti Mitr has recognised the outstanding efforts of organic farmers. We congratulate all the participants and winners who are the unsung heroes of the agricultural landscape. We are looking forward to witnessing more innovation in the segment, which will add to the global organic farming movement to help the world in achieving the true meaning of sustainable development.”

Organic India works with over 2,200 farmers across the country. The company received over 100 nominations from farmers across the country, following which, a rigorous screening process involving reviewing each entry followed by a farm visit and personal interview were undertaken by the jury.