The Fertiliser Association of India (FAI), Western Region announces the winners of the “Mahadhan Awards 2011-12”
The Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) Western Region today announced the winners of 'Mahadhan Awards for 2011-12' during its Kharif Review Meeting 2012 held in Pune. The event was chaired by Mr. Atanu Chakraborty, IAS, Chairman, FAI – WR and MD - Gujarat State Fertiliser Co Ltd.
Deepak Fertilisers And Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd. (DFPCL) bagged the 'Mahadhan Award' for ‘Excellence in Crop Productivity Improvement' while Krishak Bharati Co-operative Ltd. (KRIBHCO) and M/s Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertiliser Ltd (RCF) shared the Award for 'Excellence in Fertiliser Extension Services'.
In addition to the trophy and Certificate of Appreciation, DFPCL received a cash prize of Rs. 51,000/- while KRIBCO and RCF received cash prize of Rs. 25,500/- each at the hands of Mr. Atanu Chakraborty Chairman, FAI – WR. Apart from the manufacturing industries, farmers who participated in the Crop Productivity Enhancement Project 2011-12 were also felicitated.
Mr. R.G. Rajan Co-Chairman, FAI and CMD – RCF and Mr. S.C. Mehta Ex-Chairman, FAI-WR and Vice Chairman & Managing Director, DFPCL were also present for the meeting. FAI - Western Region has allocated district-wise and crop-wise scientific demonstrations to industry members in five states of the Western Region namely Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Goa during Kharif and Rabi 2011-12. Based on the work done by the companies, the awards were finalised in the respective categories.
The awardees were selected by a committee comprising of Dr S. S. Magar, Ex-Vice Chancellor, Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli and Ex-President of India Agricultural Universities Association, New Delhi, Dr. R. D. Mulay, Ex-Director of Agriculture, Maharashtra and Shri D. D. Khose, Regional Executive FAI-WR.
The Mahadhan Awards were initially designed and instituted by Mr. S.C. Mehta, Ex- Chairman, FAI-WR and Vice Chairman & Managing Director, DFPCL in the year 2008-09, to promote and create awareness on 'Integrated Nutrient Management' among the farming community in association with the fertiliser marketing companies. The awards are given to the companies doing outstanding work in the respective fields.
The fertiliser and agricultural scenario during Kharif 2012 in the states of the Western Region was reviewed and the prospects for remaining period of 2012 were discussed. The problems faced by the fertiliser industry were taken up by the members and solutions were recommended under the leadership of Mr. Chakraborty.
The members representing several fertilizer companies discussed various issues pertaining to production, consumption, imports and outlook for 2012-13. Mr. S.C. Mehta, VCMD, DFPCL, urged the member companies to share the knowledge base with farmers in order to improve quality and farm productivity. Mr. Rajan, CMD, RCF stressed on the promotion of water soluble fertilizers and customized fertilizers.
Mr. Chakraborty, MD, GSFC, concluded the event by seconding the thoughts expressed by Mr. Mehta and Mr. Rajan. Fertilizer Association of India (FAI) is an apex body of the Indian Fertiliser Industry. Establised in the year 1955, the association represents fertilizer manufacturers / importers / distributers in India including public, private, joint and cooperative sectors. FAI is a non-profit and non- trading organization of fertiliser manufacturers, distributors, technologists, plant/equipment manufacturers, research institutes and others interested in fertilisers.
It is involved in a variety of activities such as government industry interface, international relations, developmental activities, special studies, documentation, training, awards and publications pertaining to fertiliser industry. The Western Region of the Association comprises agriculturally progressive states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Goa.
The region shares more than 40% of the total fertiliser production of the country and contributes to about 27% of the total fertiliser consumption. Besides this, about 40% to 45% of the total fertiliser import takes place on the west coast ports.