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Baloda Bazar, Nov 2 (IANS) In a heartening testament to rural resilience, Waman Tikriha, a dedicated farmer from the ordinary village of Muswadih in Chhattisgarh’s Baloda Bazar district, has been awarded the prestigious “Dr Khubchand Baghel Krishak Ratna Award” for 2025-26.
The honour, announced at Baloda market on November 2, is the first time since the formation of the state that a local farmer from the region has claimed this state-level recognition, sparking widespread celebration across the community.
Tikriha’s journey symbolizes the transformative power of innovation in farming. Farming the land since 1990 and advocating organic methods since 2001, he has transformed limited resources into a model of sustainable prosperity after a quarter century of perseverance.
The award celebrates pioneers who advance agriculture through innovative technologies, natural practices and diverse revenue streams, and Tikriha’s achievements clearly reflect this ethos.
Speaking to IANS, Tikriha shared his vision: Focus on organic aromatic rice, including commercial varieties like Mahamaya and Swarna. Their farms grow a variety of horticultural produce, from plums, guavas and lemons to sweet potatoes and cranberries.
Motivated by government grants, he takes up animal husbandry as well as fish farming, earning an additional income of Rs 1 to 2 lakh every year. These enterprises, supported by official schemes, have stabilized their earnings and increased profits.
Tikriha advocates diversification and urges fellow farmers to move beyond monoculture of paddy.
He argues that by adopting horticulture, aquaculture and livestock, one secures both reliability and expansion in livelihood.
He called upon the authorities to extend agricultural research centers deeper into rural areas, allowing direct access to cutting-edge technologies and training. This honor has resonated deeply.
From the village streets to the district offices, there is an atmosphere of joy, reaffirming that hard work and ingenuity can take farming to inspiring heights.
Tikariha’s wife, Madhuri, expressed the family’s happiness, saying, “We had never even dreamed of such a recognition. It fills us with pride. Today’s youth are looking for opportunities far and wide, yet agriculture, aided by modern equipment and state initiatives, offers lucrative avenues right here.”
The award not only honors the efforts of Tikriha, but also highlights the farmers of Chhattisgarh as icons of innovation that drives progress as well as nourishes the country.
In an era where artificial intelligence aids precision farming around the world, Tikriha’s biological triumph reminds us that human determination, coupled with policy support, remains the foundation of agricultural development.
His story inspires the new generation to stake their future in the soil, proving that struggle produces lasting glory.
–IANS
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