Kupwara,Dec,18:Dr. Sajjad-ul-Akbar Wani, a renowned progressive farmer and agricultural innovator from Village Chandhara in Pampore tehsil of Pulwama district, has brought laurels to Jammu and Kashmir by being selected for the prestigious Farmer of the Year (FOTY) Award 2025 by Krishi Jagran, one of India’s leading agricultural media platforms.
A distinguished Ph.D. research scholar, gold medalist, and UNO award winner, Dr. Wani is widely recognised for his outstanding contributions to sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and agri-innovation in Kashmir. An alumnus of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), he is presently associated with the KVK/ETC Pulwama, where he has emerged as a role model for the farming community.
Dr. Wani attributes his success to the guidance and motivation of eminent academicians and mentors, including Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, his spiritual mentor Habibullah Beigh (Habba Sob), former Director Education Prof. Shaeel Ahmad Wani, Prof. Imtiyaz Murtaza from the Basic Sciences faculty, and the present Director Extension Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, whose continued support has played a vital role in shaping his journey.
Professionally an agricultural scientist, environmental researcher, and agripreneur, Dr. Wani has been associated with several reputed institutions such as Bundelkhand University, Jhansi; Vikram University; Vinayaka Mission University, Salem; Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), Hyderabad; and SKUAST-K. His specialised research includes establishing breeding records of migratory species in Kashmir wetlands, and he has represented India at international forums, including the CMS COP-13, focusing on the conservation of migratory species.
Driven by his inspiring slogan, “Don’t Panic… Go Organic,” Dr. Wani has been at the forefront of promoting organic and natural farming practices. He consistently advocates reducing the use of chemical pesticides and fungicides, encouraging farmers particularly the youth to adopt eco-friendly and traditional practices such as vermicomposting and cow dung-based organic inputs. His efforts have significantly contributed to improved soil health, water conservation, enhanced crop productivity, and long-term environmental sustainability.
While announcing the award, Krishi Jagran lauded Dr. Wani’s unwavering dedication to responsible farming, conservation of natural resources, and community welfare. The Farmer of the Year Awards honour individuals who not only nurture the land but also inspire future generations through innovation and sustainable agricultural practices.
Dr. Wani will be felicitated with the District Honour during the Farmer of the Year Awards 2025, scheduled from December 7 to 9, 2025, at ICAR–IARI, Pusa Grounds, New Delhi, with the main felicitation ceremony to be held on December 8. He has also been invited to participate in national-level seminars, panel discussions, networking sessions, and exhibitions during the three-day event.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Wani expressed gratitude to his wife and in-laws for their unwavering support, particularly when he chose agripreneurship over a conventional career path. He also credits spiritual guidance and teachings that regard agriculture as a noble source of sustenance and livelihood.
The achievement has been widely appreciated by farmers, academicians, and agricultural experts, who see Dr. Sajjad-ul-Akbar Wani’s journey as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the farming community and youth across Jammu and Kashmir.
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