Farmers awards announced

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state farmers awards were announced on Wednesday.  Pullazhi Kolpadavu Padasekhara  Samithi of Ayyanthol panchayat in Thrissur district has been selected for the ‘Nelkathir’ award  for the best group farming organisation.The award carries  a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, citation  and gold medal.   N Mohanan Pillai of Varikkolil house, Pandalam, was selected for the ‘Karshakothama’ award for the farmer who  focussed on integrated farming. The awardcarries a cash prize of  Rs 1 lakh,  citation and  gold medal. The  Kesari award for the best coconut farmer was won by M M Dominic of Mannukuzhampil, Thiruvampadi, Kozhikode.  The award comprises a purse of ` 1 lakh,  citation and gold medal.  The Udyana Sreshta award  goes to Azeena Sulaiman of Kakkasseri house, Mathilalakum, Thrissur. The award carries a cash prize of  Rs 1 lakh, citation and gold medal.Announcing the awards,  Agriculture Minister K P Mohanan said small and marginal farmers would be given a monthly a pension of Rs 300 from August 17.   Those farmers holding land below 1 hectare will be eligible for the pension. Haritha Mithra award  for best vegetable farmer will be given to  K V Paulose of Kodakka parampil, Kodancherry, Kozhikode.  The award carries a cash award of ` 1 lakh, citation and gold medal.  Sathi Chandraguptha won the Karshakathilakam award  for the best woman farmer.  The award carries a cash prize of Rs 25,000, a gold medal and a citation.KARSHAKA MITHRA AWARD:  Two officials  active in extension activities in  agriculture and related sectors had been selected for  the  Karshaka Mithra  award. M Prakash,   District quality control  officer in the  Dairy Development Department in Wayanad district and V R Bineesh,  Agriculture officer,   Kadakkavur in Thiruvananthapuram district will get a cash prize of Rs 25,000 each, citation and gold medal. ENS