The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has given award to one Bangladeshi and four other Asian farmers for their outstanding achievements in the areas of horticulture, aquaculture, agribusiness, home gardening and community forestry.

Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presented the award to the five Asian farmers in Bangkok yesterday.

Abdul Kalam Azad from Bangladesh has received the award for his success in horticulture, Neget Sareng (aquaculture) from Cambodia, Ochirbat Ganzorig (agribusiness) from Mongolia, Ponifasio Ricky Westerlund (gardening) from Samoa and Pramuan Charoenying (community forestry) from Thailand.

The Bangladeshi model horticulture farmer, Azad, who was discharged as corporal of Bangladesh Air Force in 1990, said he is earning five times his air force salary working as farmer.

Azad, who made a fresh start of his career in Comilla, said, “For me, this award is as good as winning the Nobel Prize.”