SECTION E: AGRICULTURE & RURAL SECTOR AWARDS
Best Irrigation Water Efficiency Project
Description: Highlights agricultural or irrigation-focused projects that significantly improve water use efficiency and reduce losses (e.g., precision irrigation, controlled water release, canal lining, micro-irrigation).
Eligibility:
- Farmers’ cooperatives, irrigation departments, NGOs, agri-tech companies, research institutions.
- Project must be implemented and operational for at least one agricultural season.
Judging Criteria (100 points) :
- Efficiency Gains in Irrigation (water saved per hectare) (30)
- Innovation in Techniques/Methods (25)
- Scale of Implementation (20)
- Sustainability of practices (15)
- Replication Potential (10)
Notes: Data submissions on water use before & after intervention required.
Best Rainwater Harvesting Practice – Individual Homes
Description: Recognizes homeowners who have successfully adopted efficient rainwater harvesting systems at the individual level, ensuring reduced dependence on municipal supply or groundwater.
Eligibility:
- Individual households, housing societies, or residential complexes.
Judging Criteria:
- Innovation in Design/Ease of Use (25)
- Volume of Water Harvested / Recharged (25)
- Sustainability (maintenance, long-term use) (20)
- Practical Cost (affordability, replicability in homes) (15)
- Replication & Inspiration to Others (15)
Notes: Before/after water consumption bills, photos, and structural plans must be submitted.
Best Rainwater Harvesting Practice – Institutional
Description: Awarded to large-scale institutions (schools, colleges, offices, hospitals, factories) implementing innovative and significant rooftop/infrastructure-based rainwater harvesting systems.
Eligibility:
- Educational institutions, corporates, hospitals, government offices, industrial buildings.
Judging Criteria:
- Harvesting Efficiency & Design Innovation (25)
- Total Water Harvested % Demand Met (20)
- Social/Community Impact (20)
- Cost-Effectiveness (20)
- Sustainability & Replicability (15)
Notes: Detailed water-balance and usage data is required from applicants.
Best Agricultural Water Innovation (Drip, Sprinklers, etc.)
Description: Showcases novel farming technologies such as improved drip irrigation, smart sprinkler systems, sensors, and mobile app-controlled irrigation systems that optimize water use in agriculture.
Eligibility:
- Agricultural start-ups, farmer groups, research institutes, agri-tech providers.
Judging Criteria:
- Technological Innovation (30)
- Water Use Efficiency Gains (25)
- Adoption & Usability for Farmers (20)
- Affordability/Cost Impact (15)
- Sustainability & Environmental Impact (10)
Notes: Field trial data and farmer adoption records required with submissions.
Rural Water Sustainability and Innovation Award
Description: This award honors rural communities, organizations, or local bodies that have implemented sustainable and innovative water management and supply solutions. It recognizes initiatives that significantly improve water quality, accessibility, resource conservation, and community involvement through cutting-edge technology, eco-friendly practices, or novel governance models.
Eligibility:
- Open to rural local bodies, panchayats, NGOs, or community groups actively engaged in sustainable water practices.
- Projects must have been operational for at least one year and demonstrate measurable impact on water sustainability and innovation.
Judging Criteria:
- Impact on Water Quality and Accessibility (30)
- Sustainability and Resource Conservation Practices (25)
- Innovation in Technology, Process, or Governance (20)
- Community Engagement and Capacity Building (15)
- Scalability and Replicability of the Initiative (10)
Notes: Applicants should provide evidence such as monitoring data, case studies, testimonials, and descriptions of innovative practices and community involvement.
Rural Entrepreneurship Award in Water Tech
Description: Recognizes innovative rural entrepreneurs/start-ups creating affordable water-tech (filters, pumps, smart irrigation, local treatment plants) to empower communities with safe water.
Eligibility:
- Rural-based start-ups or entrepreneurs working in water and wastewater technologies.
- Must have tangible on-field deployments or commercial activity.
Judging Criteria:
- Innovation in Business Model / Product (30)
- Social Impact (25)
- Sustainability (20)
- Scalability & Market Reach (15)
- Replicability (10)
Notes: Case studies of completed entrepreneurial projects must be attached.