Standard Chartered Bank and Channel I celebrated the achievements of 10 individuals and institutions in the agriculture industry at the seventh Agrow Award ceremony.
The honorees were recognized for their significant contributions to the agriculture sector and the impact they have had on their communities said a press release.
The prize-giving ceremony for the seventh iteration of the Agrow Award was held in Dhaka on Sunday, March 27.
Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, graced the event as chief guest.
This year, 10 individuals and organizations received awards for their contributions in nine categories. This year’s winners were:
- Lifetime Achievement: Professor Dr Abdur Rahim
- Farmer of the Year, Male: Md Akbor Hossain – cultivation and farming of fish and fruit with a focus on foreign produce
- Farmer of the Year, Female: Nayan Selina – cultivation and farming of livestock and poultry
- Farmer of the Year, Female: Nurunnahar Begum – cultivation and farming of vegetables, livestock, poultry, and fish
- Heroes for Change: Md Jahangir Alam Shah–founder of an agriculture library and an accessible and usable agriculture museum; teacher, trainer, and writer of "Krishi Ponjika"
- Best Journalist: Mohammad Nuruzzaman – editor and publisher of "Weekly Krishi O Amish"
- Jury Special: Md Kobbat Hossain: cultivation and farming of Chinese vegetables
- Best Agricultural Organisation in Research, Innovation, and Technology: Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU)
- Best Agricultural Organisation in Support and Execution: Resource Development Foundation (RDF)
- Best Exported: PRAN Dairy Limited
Naser Ezaz Bijoy, chief executive officer of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said: "The work done by this year’s award winners is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the heroes of the agriculture industry. Even in the face of a global pandemic and various other obstacles, these individuals and organizations have remained undeterred in employing more than 6,500 people. Their drive, passion, and dedication to their craft and to a nation of millions that rely on them are truly inspiring. I am thrilled that, through our partnership with Channel I, we can take part in celebrating the work they are doing to propel our nation to greater heights."
Shykh Seraj, Director and Head of News, Channel I, said: "Farmers are the main heroes of Bangladesh. They have built a hunger-free Bangladesh with their own hands. We often forget that. But these farmers are providing food for us through their sweat and labour. At this time of climate change, young farmers are setting an example of outstanding success in technology-based agriculture. All of them deserve special recognition. Those who have received the award have made great contributions in their respective fields. Channel I is delighted to be able to honour these dedicated people.
"Winners were chosen from a pool of over 300 applicants.
The jury board for the 7th Agrow Award was chaired by Shykh Seraj, director and head of News, Channel I.
Members of the Jury Board included Dr Atiur Rahman, ex-governor, Bangladesh Bank; M A Sattar Mandal, Emeritus Professor, Bangladesh Agricultural University; Dr Md Shajahan Kabir, director general, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI); Farazi Binti Ferdous, National Programme Consultant, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Bangladesh; Dr Goutam Buddha Das, vice-chancellor, Chittagong Veterinary, and Animal Sciences University; and Dr Yahia Mahmud, director general, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI).
As with the past iterations of the Standard Chartered-Channel, I Agrow Award, this year’s event shed light on the importance of the agriculture industry and highlighted the work being done to promote best practices and the dissemination of technology and information in the sector.
The winning class will join previous award winners, bringing the total of Agrow Award recipients to 54 awardees throughout seven sessions.
