In a major boost to Himachal Pradesh's Congress government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday conferred 'Krishi Karman Award" for its landmark achievement in showing highest production of food grains in year 2014-15, despite adverse weather conditions and rain-fed farming in the state. The award was received by Agriculture Minister Sujan Singh Pathania - who led a team of senior officers including Additional Chief Secretary (Agri) Upma Chawdhry at a ceremony held at New Delhi. “The award consists a trophy, citation and cash amount of rupees one crore," Chawdhry told the Indian Express over phone from Delhi. The Union Ministry of Agriculture had selected Himachal Pradesh for the award under total food grains category-II of the Krishi Karman Award. During last three years, total food grains production had increased to from 15.41 lakh in 2011-12 to 16.73 lakh tonnes in 2014-15. The department had also done commendable work in promoting poly-house cultivation, micro-irrigation, organic farming and soil health management. This feat has been achieved due to dedicated efforts of Agriculture Department in extending technological inputs and services to the farmers, said an official here.
