mumbai: ICFA today presented Global Agriculture Leadership Award 2016 to Tata Sons Chairman, Mr. Ratan Tata in Mumbai. The Leadership Awards Jury, Chaired by Prof. MS Swaminathan, Pioneer of India’s Green Revolution decided to confer upon Ratan Tata the Lifetime Achievements Award 2016 for his transformational role in scaling Tata Group as the globally admired group during his stint of two decades as Chairman and for his overall contributions spanned over five decades through industry led development of the Indian economy and agriculture, which positively impacted the lives of millions of people in India and globally. The Leadership Award in this category in the year 2015 was presented to Sh. Akhilesh Yadav, Chief Minister, UP, in 2014 to Dr. William Dar, DG, ICRASAT, in 2013 Dr. Amrita Patel, Chairperson NDDB and in 2012 to Prof. PK Dhumal, Chief Minister- HP.

The Award was presented to Mr. Tata at his office this morning, as he could not attend the Awards ceremony in New Delhi on 18 Sept, due to his being abroad on the day. The main function was chaired by the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Ram Naik and the Awards were presented jointly by him, the Governor of Haryana, Prof. KS Solanki and the Dy. Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Prof. PJ Kurien. Dr. MJ Khan, Chairman, Indian Council of Food and Agriculture while presenting the award to Mr. Tata expressed happiness that ICFA is recognising the legend of Indian industry, whose contribution to the nation is monumental. And Ratan Tata himself is an iconic figure and a role model for millions of people in the country. Mr. Khan was joined by the Director General, ICFA, Mr. Alok Sinha (IAS 1973 batch), and ICFA Board Members, Mr. Kapil Mehan, MD, Adventz India Limited and Dr. WS Lakra, VC, CIFE.

Mr. Tata while thanking ICFA for the Award said that Tata Trust is committed to agriculture development and empowering farmers and will increase its funding for the development work. Currently the Trust is supporting several organisations working on the ground through funding support of Rs. 100 crores plus annually. The two sides discussed policy issues, farmers welfare agenda, national and global food security, issues related to farmers empowerment.