Prayagraj: Utkrisht Pandey, a pioneering farmer from Pratapgarh, has been honored with the ISAF (Indian Society of Agroforestry) Krishivaniki Kisan award 2025 for his exceptional contributions to the adoption and promotion of agroforestry, as enabled by ICAR-CAFRI. The award recognizes Pandey's groundbreaking work in introducing sandalwood and various turmeric varieties to farming in Uttar Pradesh.
Innovative Farming at Rishigram
On his seven-acre farm, named 'Rishigram,' located in Bhadauna village, Pandey has successfully cultivated over 3,000 sandalwood plants and four hybrid turmeric varieties. His practices exemplify organic and natural farming methods, setting a benchmark for sustainable agriculture in the region.
Award Ceremony and Recognition
Speaking to TOI, Pandey expressed his gratitude: "It is an immense honor for me to be awarded with the ISAF Krishivaniki Award by ICAR-CAFRI during an event held in Jhansi on May 8." He added that the Krishivaniki award is dedicated to recognizing progressive farmers across the nation and promoting agroforestry. The executive committee members of ISAF selected Pandey after acknowledging his commendable journey in agroforestry.
International and Government Recognition
Over the past year, several foreign delegations have visited Pandey's farm to explore organic farming opportunities and learn from India's experiences, focusing on rural economy development and the growing interest in sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh government invited Pandey last year, recognizing his pioneering work in sandalwood farming and organic practices.
From SSB Officer to Farmer
Pandey, a former Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) officer who retired as assistant commandant in 2016, was the first in Uttar Pradesh to launch the cultivation of sandalwood plants and hybrid turmeric varieties on his land. He acquired the necessary skills for sandalwood farming from a Bengaluru-based institute. Not only does he implement these techniques on his own farm, but he also shares his knowledge with other farmers in Uttar Pradesh and other states.
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
Pandey's initiative to train farmers in growing sandalwood and turmeric aims to promote sustainable agriculture practices in the region. "After taking premature retirement from the Central Armed Police Forces in 2016, I decided to take up technical and skilled farming on my agricultural land. Initially, I planted 400 sandalwood saplings in 2019, and now my farm has over 3,000 plants and a wide range of turmeric varieties," Pandey said. He believes that sandalwood production will increase employment opportunities for villagers, especially women, and lead to reverse migration and sustainable development.
