In recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to sustainable agriculture, Shri Sarbeswar Basumatary of Assam has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri in the category of Others – Agriculture. His innovative farming techniques and community-driven initiatives have uplifted countless farmers across the region.

Hailing from a small village in northern Assam, Shri Basumatary introduced climate-resilient crop varieties, integrated pest management, and rainwater harvesting systems tailored to local conditions. His approach has improved crop yields by over 30% while reducing farmers’ dependence on expensive chemical inputs.

Beyond his own fields, Basumatary has been a catalyst for change among neighbouring villages. He organized farmer-cooperatives to:

• Facilitate bulk purchasing of seeds and organic inputs
• Provide hands-on training in modern agro-techniques
• Drive collective access to markets and fair-price systems

His leadership has enabled over 500 families in his district to transition toward profitable and sustainable agriculture.

Through a pioneering network of mobile “field schools”, Shri Basumatary has introduced digital tools and agricultural apps to remote regions, bridging the urban–rural knowledge gap. His workshops on soil health, crop rotation, and water management have become templates for climate-smart farming.

Awarding Shri Basumatary the Padma Shri recognizes not just his agricultural innovations but also his transformative role in rural livelihoods.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the recipient, stating:
“Sarbeswar Basumatary exemplifies the spirit of sustainable farming. His commitment to empowering Assam’s agriculture is worthy of the nation’s highest honour.”

India celebrates Shri Sarbeswar Basumatary—a visionary farmer whose knowledge, innovation, and leadership are nurturing the future of agriculture and rural prosperity.