Delhi Conclave Awards Gujarat for Breakthroughs in Horticulture

At the 17th Agriculture Leadership Conclave held in New Delhi on July 10, Gujarat secured the Agriculture Leadership Award 2026 for its pioneering horticulture initiatives. The award was presented by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh alongside Rajasthan Governor Hari Bhau Kisanrao Bagde. Gujarat’s Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani collected the honour on the state’s behalf.

Established in 2008 by the Agriculture Today Group on the advice of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, the award recognises transformative agricultural practices. A distinguished jury, chaired by former Chief Justice P. Satasivam, evaluated the candidates.

In his remarks, Minister Vaghani highlighted landmark programmes such as the horticulture festival, soil‑health cards, and widespread drip‑irrigation, which boosted the state’s agricultural growth rate to 9.9 % during the tenth five‑year plan. He dedicated the award to Gujarat’s farmer community and the agricultural department.

Gujarat’s track record includes Best Agricultural State awards in 2009, 2014, and 2018, and a livestock leadership award in 2019. The 2026 horticulture award is the first of its kind for the state in seven years.