The "Eruvaaka Foundation Annual Awards of Excellence in Agriculture-2022" ceremony was held grandly on Friday at the auditorium of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) in Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. Chief Guest Dr. Gaddam Ranjith Reddy, Member of Parliament from the Chevella constituency, attended the event and praised Eruvaaka's dedicated efforts toward agricultural development in his address. He said, "Organizations like Eruvaaka are the backbone of agricultural progress in Telangana. Their initiative to recognize the extraordinary work happening in this sector is truly commendable."

Eruvaaka Foundation founder Raghava Rao Gara stated that the Eruvaaka agricultural information magazine aims to serve as a strong pillar of support for farmers across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. He noted that the publication continuously provides farmers with timely updates on emerging market technologies, research findings, crop cultivation methods, pest management strategies, and seasonal planting schedules. He emphasized that Eruvaaka undertook this major awards initiative to promote agriculture by honoring individuals and organizations making outstanding contributions to rural development and the agriculture sector.

Lighting of the ceremonial lamp at the Eruvaaka Foundation Annual Awards of Excellence in Agriculture 2022
Lighting of the ceremonial lamp at the awards event

PJTSAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. V. Praveen Rao and other senior agricultural scientists, extension officers, progressive farmers, and media personnel attended the event. A total of 10 award categories were presented, recognizing outstanding contributions across diverse areas of agriculture. The ceremony celebrated the collective efforts of scientists, farmers, journalists, and technologists who are driving innovation and growth in the agricultural sector.

Eruvaaka Foundation Annual Awards of Excellence in Agriculture 2022 — Award Categories

1. Best Scientist

  1. Dr. P. Spandan Bhatt — Scientist in Agronomy, Institute of Rice Research, PJTSAU
  2. Dr. Y. Praveen Kumar — Program Coordinator, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Adilabad
  3. Dr. V. Lakshmi Narayanamma — Senior Scientist in Entomology, KVK, Bhadradi Kothagudem
  4. Dr. P. Jagan Mohan Rao — Director, Seed Research and Technology Center, PJTSAU
  5. Dr. Jesse Sunith — Scientist in Food Science and Nutrition, KVK, Khammam
  6. Dr. A. Poshadri — Scientist in Food Technology, KVK, Adilabad
  7. Dr. Pittal Rajaiah — Principal Scientist in Agricultural Engineering, Rajendranagar
  8. Dr. Malavath Rajeshwar Nayak — Principal Scientist and KVK Head, Bellampalli, Mancherial
  9. Dr. Bodduluri Rajeshwari — Principal Scientist, Seed Research and Technology Center, PJTSAU
  10. Dr. Mullipudi Ram Prasad — Assistant Professor, Agriculture College, Aswaraopet
  11. Dr. Mandal Rajasekhar — Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nagarkurnool
  12. Dr. N. Rajanna — Program Coordinator, KVK, Mammur, Warangal
  13. Dr. Valapudasuv Ashok Kumar — Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry, Government of Telangana

2. Best Farmer

  1. Chikoti Kirthi — Fruit Cultivation, Janagaon
  2. Tummal Rana Pratap — Integrated Farming System, Khammam
  3. Puli Lakshmi Pathi — Cotton Farming, Boyinpalli
  4. Katukuri Tirupathi Reddy — Rice Farming, Jayadhari District, Ghanapoor
  5. Padamati Pavani — Animal Husbandry, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri
  6. D. Sanjeev Reddy — Chilli Farming, Bhadradi Kothagudem
  7. Sunkari Ramadevi — Millets Farming, Hanumakonda
  8. Naini Sumant — Maize Farming
  9. Kaaparaboyina Arun Kranthi — Aquaculture, Jagityal
  10. M. Ramachandra — Innovative Farmer, Nagarkurnool

3. Best Terrace Gardening

  1. 1st Prize: Puluguzu Renuka, Suryapet
  2. 2nd Prize: Mallavarpu Lata Krishna Moorti, Hyderabad
  3. 3rd Prize: K. Vanaja Reddy, Saroornagar, Rangareddi

4. Best Organic / Natural Farming

  1. 1st Prize: Nandurk Suguna, Bellampalli, Mancherial
  2. 2nd Prize: C. Ravi Sagar, Peddagudem, Vanaparthi
  3. 3rd Prize: Oggu Siddulu, Itikalpalli, Janagaon

5. Best Extension Officer

T. Nagarjuna — Agricultural Extension Officer, Narayanaraopet, Siddipet

6. Best Digital Platform

PJTSAU Agricultural Videos — Electronic Wing, PJTSAU, Hyderabad

7. Best Agriculture E-App

NaPanta App — Founder: V. Naveen Kumar, App Developer: Narender Kunta, Agro Scientist: Jahnavi Reddy

8. Best Farmer Producer Organization (FPO)

Deccan Exotics India Producer Company Limited — Director: Dr. M. Srinivas Rao

9. Best Journalist

Shaik Laila — Eenadu

10. Best Creative Idea

PG & Ph.D. Category:

  1. 1st Prize: K. Precious Bojang, Hyderabad Central University
  2. 2nd Prize: Chindam Swathi, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar
  3. 3rd Prize: Samal Sai Mohan, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Kerala

Undergraduate Category:

  1. 1st Prize: G. Niharika, PJTSAU, Agriculture College, Palem
  2. 2nd Prize: Gorre Ashok, Dr. Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad
  3. 3rd Prize: P.N.V.B. Sai Srinija Chowdary, College of Food Science and Technology, Rudrur, Nizamabad
Award winners being felicitated at the Eruvaaka Foundation Annual Awards of Excellence in Agriculture 2022 ceremony
Award winners being felicitated at the ceremony
Group photo of all award recipients with dignitaries at the Eruvaaka Foundation ceremony
Group photo of all award recipients with dignitaries