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The origin, development and revolutionization of crop protection
appliances in India have become synonymous with Shri.
L.M. Patel and M/s American Spring and Pressing Works,
Ltd. So pioneering and rich are the contributions of
Late Shri. L.M. Patel to this field that the Annals
of Crop Protection Appliances in India would be incomplete without the mention of the
name Shri. L.M. Patel in red letters.
Shri. L.M. Patel was himself a son
of a farmer leading a simple life. Shri Patel spent
the last 12 years of his life as a total farmer on the
Tansa Farm in a serene and peaceful village Nare (Taluka
Wada, Dist. Thane) translating his own ideas of farming
into a reality. Living the entire life of a `Karmayogee'
in the real sense of the word, Shri Patel passed away
on March 12, 1996 leaving behind for us a rich heritage
of work culture and commitment to the society.
After the demise of Shri Patel on
12th March 1996, the Aspee Group of Companies desired
to commemorate his illustrious life and works. The best
way to do this was to institute "The Aspee L.M. Patel
Farmer of the year Award". This is by far the most fitting
tribute to the great departed soul.
This is a very coveted award and
any farmer who grows agriculture and horticultural crops,
uses inputs effectively through adoption of modern agricultural
technology, serves the farming community as a model
for rural development and uses land, water, finance
and manpower resources optimally is eligible to apply
for the award. The value of Award is Rs. One Lakh, with
a trophy, a shawl and a citation.
Farmer Of The Year 2006
The Managing Committee chaired by Prof.
M. S. Swaminathan, had a meeting on 28th April, 2007 to finalize the Awardees for the
Aspee L. M. Patel Farmer of the year 2006. The Committee has selected following as awardees
1) Rainfed Farming Category (Chickpea Crop)
Shri. Sreerama Murthy Chunduri Village: Cheervanuppalpadu, Tal.: N.G.Padu Mandal, District: PRAKASAM-523180, State: Andhra Pradesh
2) Woman Farmer Category (Post Harvest Processing)
Smt. Veda Seetaram Hegde, Village: Neernalli, Tal : SIRSI – 581 336, District: Uttar Kannada, State : Karnataka
Smt. Shaila Arwind Amrute Village: Ghave , Tal.: Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri – 415712 State: Maharashtra
The award presentation function held on 28th May, 2007 on the sprawling lawns of the Aspee House saw a huge gathering comprising of awardees, both present and the past, leading farmers from adjoining areas, eminent scientists, citizens, Aspee Distributors, Directors of the Aspee Foundation and employees of Aspee Group of Companies.
The function began with lighting of the sacred lamp and National Anthem followed by Aspee Anthem. Shri. Sharad L. Patel, Mg. Director, Aspee Group of Companies welcomed the guests.
The three Awardees were felicitated by Hon. Shri. Vithal Kamat, Chairman of Kamat Hotels (India) Ltd. They were presented with a Trophy and A Cheque for Rs. 1 lakh by Padmbhushan Smt. Elaben Bhatt, Founder of Self Employed Woman’s Association, Ahmedabad
In his thought provoking speech Shri. Kamat said success cannot elude the one who is sincere and passionate about his work and is relentlessly pursuing quality at all times. He gave more emphasis on the necessity for the farming community to be educated.
Smt. Elaben Bhatt admired the commendable work carried out by the farmers especially by the Awardees in Woman Farmer Category.
The activities of Awardees and the Foundation where shown in an Audio / Visual presentation.
The categories for Awards for the year 2007 were announced in an Audio / Visual Presentation. The categories offered are:
- One award for Rainfed Farming – Cotton Crop.
- One award for Horticulture – Aonla Crop.
- One award for Woman Farmer (In honour of Smt. Maniben Patel, wife of Late Shri L.M.Patel) – Tasar Silkworm Rearing.
- One Special Award for a farmer who has been cultivating land for the last sixty years or more
Each Award carries a Prize of Rupees One Lakh, A Trophy and a Citation
The function ended with vote of Thanks by Shri. Kiran L. Patel, Jt. Managing Director, Aspee Group of Companies.
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