Chandigarh: For promotion and implementation of organic farming, the Punjab government bagged the ‘Jaivik India Award’.
The International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA) had organised the event with support from Karnataka government. Punjab Agro managing director Sibin C received the award from Union minister for commerce and industries Suresh Prabhu at a function in New Delhi.
For its efforts to implement programmes for promoting organic farming and supporting organic farmers, Punjab was chosen under the category of ‘Jaivik India Award’ of best state government in recognition.
A state government official said Punjab, through Punjab Agri Export Corporation (PAGREXCO), was implementing such programmes by providing institutional support to farmers under various central government schemes.
The spokesperson said that, Punjab Agro was helping farmers market their produce by purchasing organic wheat, basmati rice, maize and other crops at remunerative prices after certification for selling the same in India and abroad.
He also said that, Punjab has successfully brought 8,000 acres with 2,100 farmers under certified organic production. Also for the promotion and marketing of such products, ‘organic huts’ are being set up in all districts of the state.
Punjab Agro has now started processing certified organic produce of farmers in certified organic processing units and come out with products under the brand name ‘Five Rivers’
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/
