Jaivik Assam Ratna Award

Why in the News?

Dr. Pradip Baruah, a noted organic farming expert and researcher, has been conferred the Jaivik Assam Ratna Award 2025–26 for his outstanding contribution to organic farming, organic tea tourism, and sustainable agriculture.

More About the News

The Jaivik Assam Ratna Award recognises individuals who have made exceptional contributions to promoting organic agriculture, environmental conservation, and sustainable rural livelihoods in Assam. The award also highlights the growing importance of organic farming in achieving climate-resilient and chemical-free agriculture.

Key Highlights

• Dr. Pradip Baruah received the Jaivik Assam Ratna Award 2025–26 for pioneering organic tea tourism and advancing research in sustainable agriculture.
• The award was presented during an Organic Farming Awareness Programme organised by the United Organic Small Farmers and Producers Cooperative Society Limited (UOSFPA).
• The programme was held as part of Cooperative Week, an initiative of the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India.

Significance of the Award

• Promotes organic farming, sustainable agricultural practices, and eco-friendly rural development.
• Recognises innovations that improve soil health, reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and conserve biodiversity.
• Encourages value addition, improved packaging, and better market access for organic products through cooperative institutions.
• Packaging machines were distributed under the Small Grant Scheme of the Cooperation Department, Government of Assam to strengthen the marketing of organic produce.

Related Government Initiatives

• National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP): Provides standards and certification for organic products to facilitate domestic and international trade.
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Promotes cluster-based organic farming through financial assistance to farmers.
• Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER): Implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare to support organic farming, certification, processing, and marketing across the Northeastern States.
• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Promotes climate-resilient and resource-efficient farming practices.

Significance

• Encourages the adoption of sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
• Promotes chemical-free farming and biodiversity conservation.
• Strengthens the organic farming ecosystem through cooperatives and market linkages.
• Supports Assam’s emergence as a leading hub for organic agriculture in Northeast India.

Prelims Practice Question

Q. With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements:

1. Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) specifically promotes organic farming in the Northeastern States.
2. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) encourages cluster-based organic farming.
3. National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) provides standards and certification for organic products.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1, 2 and 3 ✅
• (d) 1 and 3 only

One-line Wrap

The Jaivik Assam Ratna Award honours individuals advancing organic farming, sustainable agriculture, and cooperative-led rural development, reinforcing Assam’s growing role in India’s organic agriculture movement.