Pest Resistant Walnut and Fruit Tree Innovations Recognised at HBNCRII Awards

A unique walnut variety, a manure spreader, and a tree safety holder are among the innovations recognised by the Honey Bee Network Creativity and Inclusive Innovation India Awards (HBNCRIIA) this year. These awards, in collaboration with Amazon India, celebrate grassroots creativity and innovation, acknowledging contributions towards an inclusive and innovative India.

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Suneel Singh from Jammu and Kashmir secured the top prize for developing the Suneel SI Walnut variety. This high-yielding walnut is pest resistant and originates from an 80-year-old mother plant. The variety produces clusters of 91-5 walnuts per plant and yields 110-150 kg of walnuts. It starts bearing fruit within one to two years, unlike traditional walnuts that take six to eight years.

Innovative Agricultural Solutions

The second prize was awarded to Ashik Husain Mohammadali Gani from Gujarat for his manure spreader machine. This machine efficiently distributes fertiliser, maintaining its quality while enhancing soil fertility. It requires only one operator, reducing operational costs compared to manual labour and demands low maintenance.

Ishfaq Ahmad Wani from Jammu and Kashmir received the third prize for inventing a mechanical safety holder for fruit trees. This device supports trees against heavy weight, wind, rain, snowfall, and fruit load. It features two types of holders: break wire and rod type, both durable and adjustable for multipurpose support.

Recognition and Rewards

The awardees received cash prizes of Rs 5 lakh, Rs 3 lakh, and Rs 2 lakh respectively. In partnership with Amazon, the Gujarat Grassroots Innovation Augmentation Network (GIAN) launched a national campaign to collect innovative ideas from across India. The initiative attracted 2,500 entries nationwide.

After careful evaluation, 120 ideas were shortlisted in the initial round based on creativity, feasibility, and impact. A jury led by former Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) head R A Mashelkar selected the final winners. Established in 1997, GIAN has played a crucial role in promoting grassroots innovations throughout India.