Manthang Hmar of Lakhipur, Cachar to be conferred with Assam Gaurav award

The state cabinet on Wednesday nominated 21 names for Assam awards in three categories including only one recipient from Barak Valley named Manthang Hmar. He will be awarded with ‘Assam Gaurav’, which is considered as third ranking civilian award in the state for his contribution in the field of Agriculture & Allied (Pineapple Farmer & Exporter). .

Although this award system has started since last year, this is the first time that someone from Barak Valley has been honored with such an award. Manthang Hmar is a resident of Kolom Punji village in Lakhipur. He is being awarded for his outstanding contribution in pineapple production and export. He is associated as the Board of Director of Hmar Agro Organic Producer Company Limited since it’s inception. He has been playing an important role in formation of FIGs, clusters under the FPC. During 2021-22, 20625 MT of pineapple was sold in Mizoram, Manipur & Tripura. Besides, 16875 MT was sold within the state at higher price fetching significant additional income for the export process of pineapples through APEDA under Department of Horticulture & FP, Assam during 2019-20 and 21-22.

A total of 21 recipients of Assam will be awarded for their outstanding contribution in different fields including Health Care and Public Service, Art and Culture, Sports, Science, Public Service, Agriculture and Allied, Tourism, Environment and Forest, Social Work, Entrepreneur, Satriya Culture and Art, Anti AIDS and Anti Drugs Campaigner. The awards are divided into three categories: 1) Assam Baibhav 2) Assam Saurav and 3) Assam Gaurav.

Dr. Tapan Saikia is the only recipient who will be awarded with Assam Baibhav.