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Women should turn to agriculture to protect family: Kanchan Gadkari

Women should turn to agriculture to protect family: Kanchan Gadkari

Time of India10 hours ago
Nagpur: "Only two things — a mother and soil — can create innovation," declared social activist and experimental farmer Kanchan Gadkari as she received the prestigious 'Prayogsheel Sheti Puraskar 2025' in a spirited ceremony held at Enrico Heights Convention Hall on Tuesday.
Emphasising the role of women in agriculture, Gadkari said, "Women, who are the backbone of the family, should turn towards agriculture and protect their families by cultivating organic vegetables in their own backyards. It not only nourishes the body but also secures the family's future."
Gadkari, who conducted innovative agricultural experiments in Dhapewada under the guidance of Union minister
Nitin Gadkari
, credited her journey to a strong foundation laid by her mother, the support of her mother-in-law, and the cooperation of colleagues.
"Proper management of water, soil, and time enabled me to try new methods and achieve success," she shared, dedicating her award to the farming community.
In a generous gesture, she announced that the award, Rs 30,000, would be donated to the Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir Devasthan in Dhapewada. "I accept this award to inspire farmers to experiment in agriculture and enhance their income," she added.
The award, instituted by the Vasantrao Naik Pratishthan and Vanrai Foundation, included a cash prize, shawl, shriphal, and a memento.
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It was presented to Gadkari by renowned agricultural scientist Dr CD Mayee, who remarked, "It is very fitting that Kanchantai has been selected for an award named after Vasantrao Naik, who revolutionised Indian agriculture with hybrid technologies. If farmers draw inspiration from Kanchantai's experiments in Dhapewada, this award will truly fulfil its purpose.
"
Lauding Nitin Gadkari's influence, Dr Sharadrao Gadakh, vice-chancellor of Dr Punjabrao Deshmukh Agricultural University, observed, "Though Nitin Gadkari is known nationwide as the road and transport minister, in the true sense, he is the 'Agriculture Minister.'
His deep love for agriculture and his spirit of experimentation have guided many, including Kanchantai, towards new directions in farming."
Presiding over the function, Dr Girish Gandhi, president of Vanrai Foundation, hailed Kanchantai as "an inspiring example for women and farmers who has made Nagpur and Vidarbha proud."
Former MLA and president of the Vasantrao Naik Foundation, Adv Nilay Naik, praised both Nitin and Kanchan Gadkari for their contribution to agriculture, saying, "This couple has worked tirelessly to fulfil the dreams of Vasantrao Naik Saheb."
Environmental activist Dr Ajay Patil, who introduced Kanchantai, noted, "The prestige of this award has grown further because Kanchantai has accepted it."
Pragati Patil gracefully coordinated the event, while Bal Kulkarni delivered the vote of thanks.
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Currency conversion made simple: Tricks for students who hate math

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