PUNE: The Shiv Chhatrapati Shivaji Sports Complex in Balewadi witnessed a grand prize distribution ceremony, hosted by the Paani Foundation for the first edition of “The Satyamev Jayate Farmer Cup”.
Parivartan Shetkari Gat (Group) from village Vathoda, Taluka Varod from Amravati district bagged the first prize of Rs. 25 lakhs. The second prize was grabbed by village Golegaon, taluka Khultabad from Aurangabad; they received prize money of Rs. 15 Lakhs. The third prize was jointly bagged by Jai Yogesshwar Shetkari Gat (Group) village Danger Budruk from Amalner taluka, District Jalgaon, and by Unnati Shetkari Gat (Group) from village Nandapur, Taluka Kalamnuri from Hingoli district. Both districts received a prize of Rs. 5 lahks. Forty-two taluka-level winners won Rs. 1 lakh each. The prizes were given to groups who did excellent work in implementing best agricultural practices, practicing residue-free farming, lowering the cost of cultivation, and improving productivity.
The prizes were given to groups who did excellent work in implementing best agricultural practices, practicing residue-free farming, lowering the cost of cultivation, and improving productivity.
The Chief Guest for this event was the Honorable Deputy CM of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis. On the occasion, he said, “It is a commendable work done by Paani Foundation ably led by Shri. Amir Khan. I am really overwhelmed by the unity displayed by the farmers and dedication by the community towards the cause. I would appeal Paani Foundation to further scale up the participation of farmers as it would lead to a holistic development of the farming community. He congratulated the entire participating farmer and emphasised on how collectivisation in farming is the key to tackling inflation, climate change, and market uncertainties. He also urged the collectives to look beyond subsidies, and focus on creating self-sustaining and profitable farmer producer companies.”
On the occasion, Amir Khan, Founder of, the Paani Foundation said, “I thank Shri. Fadnavis for his words of encouragement and would ensure that we try our level best to best to go the extra mile. Also to all the participants, I salute them for their passion and commitment towards the competition.”
Many luminaries from diverse fields also joined the ceremony like Padma Shri Popatrao Pawar, Shri. Shantilal Muttha of Bhartiya, Jain Sangathana, Shri Eknath Dawale – Agriculture Secretary, Shri. Ashutosh Gowariker, Film Director and Actor, Shri Atul Kulkarni, Actor, Shri Sunil Chavan – Agricultural Commissioner, Shri Vikas Shinde of Sahyadri Farms, Vice Chancellors of Agricultural Universities: Dr. Prashant Patil of MPKV, Rahuri & – Dr. Sharad Gadakh of PDKV, Akola
The highlight of the event was a “Powada” (folk song and dance), performed by Shahir Avdhoot Gandhi, and accompanied by noted dancer Ms. Phulawa Khamkar and her troupe, to honor the work done by the farmers. Written by Vaibhav Hiwase with Suresh Bhatia as Director of the show, the song was specially composed for this event by musician duo Rahul Khade and Tejas Kale, of the group Sameehan. The 35-minute Powada performance received thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the audience.
Mr. Vilas Shinde, the Chairman of Sahyadri Farms, shared his thoughts on the importance of farmer-producer companies. In a conversation with Mr. Khan, Padma Shri Popatrao Pawar spoke about the importance of farmers’ unity.
The anchors of this function were noted actor, Ms. Spruha Joshi, as well as writer Neeraj Narkar. Paani Foundation’s CEO, Mr. Satyajit Bhatkal, and Pramukh Margdarshak, Dr. Avinash Pol, welcomed all the guests and introduced the Farmer Cup.
