Mr. Jitesh Chandubhai Patel, progressive farmers using New Holland Agriculture farm equipment received the awards for ‘Water Conservation’.
Twenty-one progressive farmers were recently honored for their exemplary achievements and contribution to Indian Agriculture in a recent virtual award ceremony. The “Krishak Awards 2021” were conferred in categories that included Innovation in Farming, Water Conservation, Inspiring Leadership, Integrated Farming, and Farm Entrepreneurship.
Mr. Jitesh Chandubhai Patel from Gujarat, also a New Holland Agriculture customer, received the award for ‘Water Conservation’. He was the first one in the state to use Drip Irrigation practice in Paddy Farming, which helped in water conservation. Mr. Patel is a member of the traditional Patel farming community of Gujarat. He grows processed potato using drip irrigation on 1,000 acres of land. The use of drip irrigation technology for potato crops was a pioneering effort for the group and resulted in increased water use efficiency and optimum use of fertilizers. This has helped to save costs on the one hand, and improve the quality of the potato crop on the other, resulting in increased income.
During the event, a panel discussion titled “Atmanirbhar Kisan Se Atmanirbhar Bharat”, hosted speakers who shared their thoughts on topics that included sustainable farming, stubble burning, paddy straw management, and doubling farmers’ income.
During the ceremony, Mr. Kumar Bimal, Sales Director, New Holland Agriculture said, “New Holland Agriculture has always believed in empowering the farming community with world class equipment and contribute to revolutionize farming techniques in India. To help make farmers self-reliant, we are conducting training drives across India on ‘Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization’. We have also donated our latest farming equipment to tackle the stubble burning issue and manage the crop residues for productive uses.”
He highlighted how customer Hiring Centers (CHCs) are playing a key role in empowering farmers to overcome the labour shortage and improving the efficiency of agricultural operations. He emphasized the need to create a bio-fuel and alternative fuel ecosystem, in alliance with government policies for a sustainable practice to combat the emerging demand of fossil fuels.
New Holland Agriculture is committed to transforming the Indian agriculture sector by equipping the farmers with its advanced machines and technology across the country. In India, the brand serves a strong base of more than 500,000 customers with a growing network of more than 1000 customer touchpoints. Since 1998, New Holland Agriculture operates a state-of-the-art tractor manufacturing plant at Greater Noida, where it applies the advanced production processes of its international facilities. This also comprises a research and development centre and a training centre for dealers and customers. The New Holland customer care centre provides support in ten languages, including Hindi and English, to customers across India and can be reached toll-free on 1800 419 0124.