Gujarat received the Agriculture Leadership Award 2026 for outstanding achievements and innovations in the state’s horticulture sector nationwide.
New Delhi
Gujarat has been honoured with the Agriculture Leadership Award 2026 for its outstanding performance in the horticulture sector at the 17th Agriculture Leadership Conclave held in New Delhi. The recognition highlights the state’s continued focus on agricultural innovation, sustainable farming practices and horticulture development, further strengthening its position as one of India’s leading agricultural states.
The award was presented by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the presence of Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde. Gujarat Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani received the honour on behalf of the state government, acknowledging the contribution of farmers and officials who have worked to improve the state’s horticulture sector.
The Agriculture Leadership Awards were instituted in 2008 by the Agriculture Today Group following the advice of renowned agricultural scientist Dr. M. S. Swaminathan. Established in 1998, the organisation aims to encourage dialogue and collaboration among policymakers, agricultural scientists, researchers and farmers to promote innovation and sustainable agricultural development across the country.
According to the organisers, the awards are decided by an independent jury chaired by former Chief Justice of India Justice P. Sathasivam. The selection process evaluates states and institutions based on their contributions to agricultural growth, innovation, policy implementation and sectoral development.
Speaking after accepting the award, Vaghani said the recognition reflected Gujarat’s consistent efforts and innovative initiatives in horticulture. He described the honour as a tribute not only to the state government but also to the lakhs of hardworking farmers and the dedicated officials of the Agriculture Department who have contributed to the sector’s progress.
He dedicated the award to the farming community of Gujarat and congratulated everyone associated with the state’s horticulture sector, including agricultural officers, scientists and extension workers who have supported farmers in adopting modern cultivation techniques.
The minister also highlighted Gujarat’s strong record in national agricultural awards. He recalled that the state was recognised as the Best Agriculture State in 2009 and again in 2014 during the tenure of then Chief Minister Narendra Modi. According to Vaghani, several landmark initiatives introduced during that period laid the foundation for sustained agricultural growth.
Among the key programmes credited for transforming agriculture in Gujarat were the Krishi Mahotsav campaign, the Soil Health Card initiative and the promotion of drip irrigation. These measures encouraged scientific farming, improved soil management, increased water-use efficiency and enhanced crop productivity across the state. Vaghani noted that these initiatives helped Gujarat achieve an agricultural growth rate of 9.9 percent during the Tenth Five-Year Plan.
He further pointed out that Gujarat was once again recognised as the Best Agriculture State in 2018 and received another Agriculture Leadership Award in 2019 for its achievements in the animal husbandry sector.
