The Indian Council of Agricultural Research, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India has instituted the N.G. Ranga Farmer Award for Diversified Agriculture in order to recognize outstanding contribution of innovative farmers for diversified agriculture. Number of Awards and Frequency One annual award of Rs 1,00,000 (Rupees One Lakh only) for excellence in any of the areas of Diversified Agriculture. Area of Award The award is for the diversified agriculture activities, which will be given to practicing farmer for initiating : new entrepreneurship/enterprises/management strategies/additional information to the existing one in diversification of Indian agriculture additional income to the individual farmer/farming community. Administration of the Award A five-member Judging Committee will be appointed by the DG, ICAR including one representative farmer to assess nominations and make suitable recommendations. Eligibility Criteria Any farmer self involved in diversified rural activities/enterprises such as Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Rural Artisans/Handicraft activities for at least 10 years. Criteria of Selection The farmer’s diversified agricultural activities should result in: New knowledge/package of practices/management strategies Additional income to the individual farmer/farming community Saving of resource/inputs Breaking technology transfer barriers New strategy for prevention of outbreak of diseases and pests Bringing about radical change in management packages resulting in production and income from land or animals Procedure for Nomination Agricultural Production Commissioners / Secretaries/ Directors of Agril./ Hort./ A.H./ Fisheries/ Sericulture Vice - Chancellors of AUs/ Directors of ICAR Instt./Zonal Directors of KVKs/NGOs, other organizations connected with plant and animal sciences will identify and nominate the farmers in their area of jurisdiction and forward the authentic information to the Council. All farmers selected for Zonal award and meeting the criteria of this award are also eligible. The Judging Committee will decide the award on merit. Presentation of the Award Award in the form of a citation and award money of Rs 1,00,000/ - each shall be presented on 16 th July every year i.e. the Foundation Day of ICAR. The applications are called for during December - January every year. For the details and the application format, click here. Source : ICAR