Shillong: Six farmers and agripreneurs from Meghalaya were conferred the Krishi Gaurav Samman for their contributions to agricultural development, indigenous crop conservation, sustainable farming and rural entrepreneurship.The awards were presented during an academic assembly at the College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, at Umiam. The event was held on the theme, “Transforming Classrooms through NEP 2020: Integrating Indigenous Wisdom, Culture and Experiential Learning.”Among the awardees were Chekjing Sangma of Sadolpara village in West Garo Hills, recognised for promoting modern millet farming; Darapbiang Mulieh of Khanduli in West Jaintia Hills, for millet value addition; and Sitrian Surong of Khanduli, for preserving Meghalaya’s traditional millet heritage.Trinity Saioo, popularly known as Meghalaya’s “Lakadong Lady”, was honoured for promoting indigenous Lakadong turmeric cultivation. Jemnud Marpan of Thadnongniaw in Ri-Bhoi was recognised for conserving indigenous crops and agricultural biodiversity, while Midat M. Binau, professor of practice at Manipur University and a resident of Marngar in Ri-Bhoi, was felicitated for transforming traditional spice crops into global market opportunities.Chekjing and Trinity had earlier been recognised by PM Narendra Modi during the 139th episode of Mann Ki Baat for their contribution to reviving and promoting traditional millet cultivation in Meghalaya.
