Agartala, December 20, 2024: Ayan Sarkar, a distinguished professional in agricultural science from Tripura, was felicitated on Friday at the Trimurti Marg Center in the Prime Minister’s Office. Sarkar, whose father Narayan Sarkar hails from Muhuripur in South Tripura district, was honored with the Atal Gaurav Award 2024 by the Atal Foundation.

After completing his graduation in agricultural science from the Agricultural University of Uttarakhand, Ayan Sarkar returned to Tripura and became actively involved in the state’s agricultural affairs. Under the leadership of prominent agricultural scientist Baharul Islam Majumdar, Sarkar and other young agricultural graduates formed the Tripura Agriculture and Horticulture Graduates Association in 2016. This organization has been instrumental in advancing agricultural practices and providing employment opportunities to agricultural graduates.

In 2022, Sarkar took on the role of secretary of the association. His contributions to organic farming, agricultural organizations such as Farmer Producer Companies and Producer Groups, and his work with women farmers on fish farming and agricultural marketing earned him this prestigious award. Sarkar has been associated with five Farmer Producer Companies and has worked with 4,000 women farmers on fish farming. Under his leadership, the business of the Farmer Producer Company reached close to 1 crore.

Currently, Ayan Sarkar serves as the Tripura state head of Patanjali Food Limited. The company, in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, has initiated plum oil cultivation projects aimed at the economic development of Tripura farmers.

The felicitation ceremony was graced by several eminent personalities, including Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister of India, Aparna Singh, National President and Mayor of Rajasthan, Member of Parliament of Jaipur, Avinash Khanna, Former MP and Vice President, and Shyam Jaju, Chief Patron of the Government of India.

Reflecting on his journey, Sarkar expressed his gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the farmers and agricultural professionals who strive to make a difference. I am committed to continuing our efforts to promote organic farming and support the agricultural community in Tripura,” he said.

The Atal Gaurav Award 2024 highlights Sarkar’s significant contributions to the field of agriculture and his unwavering commitment to the development of the agricultural sector in Tripura.