Mahindra honours Indian farmers at the first Mahindra Samriddhi India Agri Awards 2011

A salute to the change leaders of Agriculture

February 21, 2011, Mumbai: Mahindra & Mahindras Farm Equipment Sector today announced the winners of the First Mahindra Samriddhi India Agri Awards 2011 which was held in partnership with Zee News. This honour was bestowed upon the farmers and institutions to recognize their noteworthy and purposeful contribution to the field of agriculture, the backbone of the Indian economy. Honurable Agriculture Minister, Shri Sharad Pawar was the chief guest at the awards ceremony. The awards were judged by an eminent jury chaired by Mr. P.K. Basu, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Cooperation. Mahindra Samriddhi India Agri Awards 2011 Details:

Award Categories and Numbers of National & Regional Awards under each Category:

Runner Up / Award Category Regional Award 1. Krishak Samrat Samman (Farmer of the year Male) 3 (1 for each 9 (3 for each 2011 sub-category) sub category) a) 5 acres or less b) 6 to 20 acres c) More than 20 acres 1. Krishak Prerna Samman (Farmer of the year Lady) 2 2 2011 1. Krishi Sansthan Samman (Public Sector 1 1 Organization of the year) 2011 1. Krishi Shiksha Samman (Agricultural University of 1 1 the year) 2011 1. Krishi Sahyog Samman (NGOs /SHGs of the year) 1 1 2011 1. Krishi Shiromani Samman (Lifetime Achievement) 1 1. Agri Icon of the year 1

Number of Nominations received from farmers across the country: 14,064

National Award

a) b) c) d) e)

Cash Prizes: National Level Cash Prizes (for individuals and institutes): Rs. 2,11,000
Regional Level Cash Prize (for individuals): Rs. 51, 000 Runner up Cash Prize (for institutes): Rs. 1,01, 000 Krishi Shiromani Samman: Rs.5,00,000 Agri Icon of the year: Rs.5,00,000.

National Winners of the Mahindra Samriddhi India Agri leadership awards 2011 are as follows: The Agri Icon of the year was conferred upon Dr. M. S. Swaminathan for pioneering the concept of Evergreen Revolution in his vision to achieve sustainable agriculture, thereby delivering Agri Prosperity and enabling rural India to RISE. Heartiest congratulations to all the winners of the Mahindra Samriddhi India Agri Awards. Each of them exemplifies the indomitable spirit of the Indian farmer. I am proud that Mahindra is working in tandem with the farming community and helping drive a positive change in their lives and livelihood. I am sure that this unique initiative will further motivate the Indian farming fraternity to strive towards greater innovation and productivity, said Mr. Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra Group. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Pawan Goenka, President Automotive and Farm Equipment Sector said, These awards are our first endeavour to recognize and felicitate the unsung heroes of rural India for their noteworthy and purposeful contribution to the field of agriculture. As Indias leading tractor manufacturer for over 27 years, we have

always encouraged innovation and innovative practices in the agricultural sector to increase rural prosperity. It is our hope that these awards will encourage modernisation and change by felicitating these shining examples in the agricultural space. This initiative is an extension of the companys Mahindra Samriddhi venture which aims to enhance agricultural productivity through creative farming technologies, thereby leading to an increase in rural prosperity. As part of this concept, several Mahindra dealerships have been transformed into Samriddhi Centres offering the farmer easy access to technological know-how, hybrid seeds, soil and water testing facilities, demo farms, finance and insurance, internet updates and sales and servicing of tractors and implements.

Category Krishak Samrat Samman Mahindra Samriddhi Farmer of the Year Award (Male): Recognition for Farmers who have been instrumental in driving innovation by leveraging modern technology in agriculture, thus changing the agriculture scenario in their region.

Winner Mr. P M Chinnasamy, Mr. Radhanath Singh

Mr. Bharat Kshetrapal

Krishak Prerna Samman Mahindra Samriddhi Farmer of the Year Award (Lady): Recognition for lady farmers who have broken established stereotypes, to be instrumental in driving innovation by leveraging

Ms.Galbiben Jethabhai Kuniya

Ms. Uma Pradhan

modern technology in agriculture, thus changing the agriculture scenario in their region.

Mahindra Samriddhi Krishi Sansthan Samman (Public Sector Organization of the year): Recognition for Public Sector organizations committed to a broad policy on agriculture that has become instrumental in changing the lives of hundreds of farmers.

National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR)

Mahindra Samriddhi Krishi Shiksha Samman (Agricultural University of the year): Recognition for Agriculture Universities which have made a noteworthy contribution in the field of agriculture, impacting the lives of Indian farmers. Mahindra Samriddhi Krishi Sahyog Samman (NGOs /SHGs working in field of Agriculture): Recognition for NGOs / SHGs for purposeful contributions in the field of agriculture, thus impacting the lives of farmers. Mahindra Samriddhi Krishi Shiromani Samman (Lifetime Achievement): Recognition for lifetime achievement in the field of Agriculture; presented to a renowned personality in the agri space whose contribution is recognized at national and international levels. Agri Icon of the Year: A special recognition for the achievements of an individual in making

Punjab Agricultural University

Maharogi Sewa Samiti

Dr. M. V. Rao

Dr. M. S. Swaminathan

instrumental changes in the field of agriculture, enabling farmers to reach sustainable agriculture, thereby delivering agri prosperity

About The Mahindra Group The Mahindra Group focuses on enabling people to rise. Mahindra operates in the key industries that drive economic growth, enjoying a leadership position in tractors, utility vehicles, information technology, and vacation ownership. Mahindra has a presence in the automotive industry, agribusiness, aerospace, components, consulting services, defence, energy, finance and insurance, industrial equipment, logistics, real estate, retail, steel, and two wheelers. A US $7.1 billion multinational group based in Mumbai, India, Mahindra employs more than 112,000 people in over 79 countries. In 2010, Mahindra was named among the Forbes Asian Fab 50 and the Credit Suisse Great Brands of Tomorrow. Its flagship company Mahindra & Mahindra Limited has recently earned the distinction of being the only Indian automobile manufacturer to feature in the top 10 list of the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index in India,2010, created by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). For more information, visit www.mahindra.com For further information, please contact: Ms. Roma Balwani Senior Vice President & Group Head - Corporate Communications Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. Mumbai, India Phone: (+91-22) 2490 1441 Email: balwani.roma@mahindra.com