President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday presented the Padma Shri award 2025 in the field of Agriculture to L Hangthing, a progressive farmer from Noklak, at an official ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

“He (Hangthing) is the first person to set up plantation nursery in Noklak district of Nagaland. This nursery later became Jungyam Nursery & Horticulture Farming Society. The nursery introduced several non-native fruits, plants and vegetables,” the President’s official X account posted.

Hangthing is the first from the Khiamniungan Naga tribe to be conferred the fourth highest civilian award of the country. He is called Nagaland’s “Fruit Man” for his efforts in transforming local agriculture by introducing new fruit and vegetable varieties.

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After Hangthing received the award from President Murmu, Nagaland’s Tourism minister Temjen Imna Along also took to X and posted, “From Noklak, Nagaland, Shri L. Hangthing — Padma Shri awardee and visionary farmer — is transforming local fields with fresh fruit and vegetable varieties. A true trailblazer sowing the seeds of a thriving agricultural future!”