Shillong, Nov 3: Six distinguished farmers from Meghalaya were awarded with the prestigious ‘Krishi Gaurav Samman 2026’ for their exemplary contributions to agricultural development, conservation of indigenous crops, sustainable farming and rural entrepreneurship.
The awardees included Chekjing Sangma of Sadolpara village (West Garo Hills), Darapbiang Surong and Sitrian Surong of Khanduli village (West Jaiñtia Hills), Trinity Saioo of Mulieh village (West Jaiñtia Hills), Jemnud Marpan of Thadnongïaw village (Ri-Bhoi) and Midot M. Binong of Marngar village (Ri-Bhoi). They were presented with the award at the Academic Assembly 2026 held at the College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CPGSAS), Umïam on October 31.
Notably three of the awardees had earlier been acknowleged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 139th episode of Mann Ki Baat for their contributions to the revival and promotion of traditional millet cultivation in Meghalaya.
Checkjing Sangma was awarded for pioneering modern millet farming and promoting millet cultivation. Darapbiang Mulieh was awarded for promiting millet value addition while Sitrian Surong was awarded for championing Meghalaya’s traditional millet heritage.
Trinity Saioo, popularly known as the Lakadong Lady of Meghalaya, got the awarded for championing indigenous Lakadong turmeric cultivation. Jemnud Marpan was awarded for conserving indigenous crops and agricultural biodiversity. Midat M. Banao, a professor at Manipur University was awarded for his inspiring agripreneurial initiatives in transforming traditional spice crops into global market opportunities.
