Couple selected for 'Karshakashri Award'

Kottayam, Jan 3 (UNI) For the first time, a farmer-couple has been selected for the Karshakashri Award instituted by the 'Malayala Manorama.' Announcing the award at a news conference here today, Chief Editor K M Mathew said C M Mohamed and his wife Shakeela Mohamed of Malappuram District of Kerala were selected for the honour 'in recognition of their efforts in adopting various measures for the value addition of virgin coconut oil and vanilla sherbet.' Their achievement in marketing these products also helped them to be selected for the biennial award carrying a cash prize of Rs two lakh, a medallion and a citation.

The award committee comprised among others, Noted Agricultural Scientist M S Swaminathan and Architect of India's White Revolution, Dr V Kurian.

The committee observed ''their ten-acre farm stands as a model to fellow farmers with its multi-cropping system, at a time when the farmers are facing low market rates.'' UNI VST JJ GM 1605