Sokhen Hembram, 52, of Seraikela-Kharsawan and Kranti Devi of Gumla have made the state proud after they received medals and plaques from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being “progressive farmers of the country”.

Modi distributed Krishi Karman Awards for progressive farmers and Commendation Awards to states at a public meeting at Tumkur in Karnataka on Thursday. A total of 32 farmers from across India received the award.

Hembram has played a key role in producing sahbhagi, a type of drought-resistant rice during 2016-17. His farming techniques were chosen by a team of agriculturalists who had come for a survey before the awards for the progressive farmers’ category.

“I am extremely happy about the recognition. This will motivate other farmers to contribute their best to farming and make it big. There are many who are opting out of farming but awards and recognitions like these help others to get motivated,” said Hembram, who was in Bangalore and will reach Gamharia on Saturday.

Hembram is not just happy with his paddy yields but he also grows vegetables such as gourd, bitter gourd, cabbage and cauliflower in his six-acre land in Burudih making farming one of the finest career options.

Hembram said the most-important thing in farming is to take care of the crops, adopt correct techniques and have patience.

“I love farming as a profession because it has the power to feed the hungry and there is nothing divine than this. Many people are leaving in search of more money and turning into labourers but I will stick to the profession and will also motivate others,” said Hembram.

The technical director of Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) in Gamharia block, Rajesh Kumar, also appreciated Hembram’s efforts. He said: “Hembram’s performance as a farmer in the entire district has been one of the best, which won him the coveted progressive farmers award.”