The award was conferred during the inaugural session of the 5th International Conference on Organic and Natural Rice Production Systems (ORP-5), held on 21 September 2026. Dr. Satyapal Singh, Former Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, presented the award to Prasana Prabhu, Chairman, AOL-SSIAST. The ceremony was attended by Prof. (Dr.) Sahadeva Singh, Chief Policy Advisor, All India Agricultural Students Association (AIASA) and Chairman, Organizing Committee, and Prof. Y.V. Singh, Organizing Secretary, ORP-5.
The recognition acknowledges AOL-SSIAST’s sustained grassroots efforts to make sustainable and Natural Farming practices accessible to farmers.
Founded in 2009 under the guidance of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, AOL-SSIAST works to revive agricultural practices rooted in traditional knowledge while incorporating practical approaches to contemporary farming challenges. Its Natural Farming programmes aim to reduce dependence on synthetic inputs, improve soil health, strengthen biodiversity and help farmers establish self-reliant agricultural systems.
According to the organisation’s current impact figures, more than 3.5 million farmers across 24 states have received Natural Farming training, while 5,56,157 acres have been converted to climate-resilient agriculture. AOL-SSIAST has also developed a network of more than 2,300 Natural Farming trainers and trained over 1,15,000 farmers in suicide-prone districts.
Its approach extends beyond classroom instruction to include practical field exposure, farmer-led demonstrations, model farms, seasonal guidance and community-based learning. These initiatives help farmers understand how to prepare and use farm-based inputs and implement Natural Farming practices throughout the crop cycle.
AOL-SSIAST’s programmes are built around the principle that agriculture must remain economically viable for farmers while working in harmony with nature. The organisation promotes self-sustaining inputs, traditional crop wisdom, indigenous knowledge and community participation as part of its efforts to support sustainable farming.
Independent impact assessments have also documented outcomes from earlier Natural Farming programmes. Data covering 2018 to 2020, externally assured by KPMG, recorded profit improvements of 52% in Jalna, 47% in Kolhapur and 27% in Latur. The same assessment reported reductions in fertiliser costs of 72%, 64% and 45%, respectively, across the three districts studied.
The organisation continues to apply this field-based approach through initiatives such as its model farms. The Rewa Model Farm in Madhya Pradesh, for instance, was developed as a live demonstration and training centre where farmers can observe Natural Farming practices being implemented in the field.
AOL-SSIAST’s sustainability efforts also extend beyond cultivation to indigenous seed conservation, afforestation, ecosystem restoration and other environmental initiatives. The organisation recognises the importance of healthy ecosystems in supporting sustainable agriculture.
As part of its wider environmental work, AOL-SSIAST reports that more than 100 million trees have been planted globally. Its initiatives also include 38.7 lakh Lakshmi Taru saplings and 2.5 lakh seed balls created and dispersed for ecological restoration.
These activities form part of a broader rural development approach that positions farmers not merely as recipients of agricultural technology but as custodians of soil, seeds, water and biodiversity.
The AIASA National Award 2026, Institution of Excellence Award 2025 recognises the collective efforts of farmers, trainers, volunteers, agricultural experts and communities involved in bringing Natural Farming practices from training centres to fields and villages.
As AOL-SSIAST continues its work, its focus remains on reviving soil health, empowering farmers and supporting an agricultural future in which people and nature can thrive together.
About The Art of Living – SSIAST
As a flagship initiative of The Art of Living, AOL–SSIAST is committed to reviving Natural Farming practices, conserving indigenous seeds, restoring ecosystems and empowering farmers through knowledge, dignity and sustainable livelihoods. Its current programmes have reached millions of farmers and span communities across India.
Website: ssiast.artofliving.org
Email: executiveoffice@projects.artofliving.org
Phone: +91 9036 254 532
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ssiast_artofliving
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ssiast.artofliving
X: x.com/SSIAST
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ssiast/
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