Awards open for nominations across 8 categories recognizing champions of sustainable agriculture
NAGPUR, 25 June 2025: Maharashtra — one of India’s most agriculturally diverse and economically significant states — is set to host a crucial Regional Policy Dialogue on Climate-Resilient Agriculture on June 30 in Nagpur. This high-level dialogue will bring together policymakers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and farmers to forge a bold and practical roadmap for sustainable farming in the face of growing climate threats.
The dialogue is part of the Sustainability Matters and IndiAgri regional policy series, supported by GreyMatters Communications, FIJEEHA, and local agri-development partners. It aims to address the pressing challenges facing farmers in Maharashtra, including erratic monsoons, groundwater depletion, extreme weather events, rising input costs, and soil degradation.
“The agricultural ecosystem in Maharashtra is both dynamic and vulnerable. This dialogue comes at a crucial time where solutions need to be practical, inclusive, and scalable,” said Dr Navneet Anand, Executive Director of Sustainability Matters. “By bringing together voices from the ground and key decision-makers, we can accelerate the transition to climate-smart agriculture.”
Building on insights from past Sustainable Agriculture Summits held in Delhi, Bhopal, and Chandigarh, the Nagpur event will feature expert panels, regional case studies, and innovation showcases. Key themes include:
- Watershed and water conservation models
- Soil health and nutrient management
- Micro-irrigation and climate-smart tools
- Role of Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs)
- Digital agriculture and agri-tech solutions
One of the highlights of the event will be the Sustainability Awards 2025, now open for nominations until June 27. The awards aim to honour individuals, organizations, and communities that have made a tangible impact on climate-resilient agriculture. The eight award categories include:
- Water Conservation Champion
- Soil Health Innovator
- Climate-Resilient Practice Leader
- Agri-Tech Excellence
- Digital Innovation in Agriculture
- Community-Driven Initiative
- Youth in Sustainable Farming
- Progressive Farmer of the Year
“The awards are meant to spotlight real impact,” added Dr Anand. “Recognising on-ground innovations and sustainable practices helps build a larger culture of knowledge-sharing and peer learning among farmers and institutions.”
The Nagpur dialogue will not only discuss the policy shifts needed but also present replicable success stories that can drive adoption across other regions in India. With Maharashtra's farmers already experimenting with crop diversification, solar irrigation, organic techniques, and precision farming, the event will serve as a platform to amplify these efforts and inspire systemic change.
By connecting field-level innovations to state-level policies, the dialogue hopes to serve as a catalyst for inclusive and climate-resilient agricultural transformation — one that empowers farmers, strengthens food security, and ensures environmental sustainability.
