October 27, 2025, will be remembered as a milestone in the philatelic and agricultural history of Uttar Pradesh. On this day, the Department of Posts, in collaboration with the Philatelic Society of Uttar Pradesh (PSUP), released the state’s first Bullock Cart Carried Special Cover from the Agriculture Institute Sub-Post Office, Prayagraj.
The event coincided with the birth anniversary of Sam Higginbottom and the 100th anniversary of “The Allahabad Farmer”, Asia’s first scientific journal on agricultural technology.
A Century of Agricultural Legacy
Founded in 1925, The Allahabad Farmer has been an open access, peer-reviewed journal published by the Allahabad Agricultural Institute, now known as Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences (SHUATS).
For a century, it has documented innovations, experiments, and advancements that shaped agricultural science in India and Asia.
This centenary celebration not only honors a publication but also pays tribute to India’s journey in agricultural education-rooted deeply in Prayagraj’s soil.
The Historic Philatelic Release
To mark this remarkable occasion, a special cover with a Grass Green Special Cancellation was released-symbolizing the essence of agriculture.
This cancellation, in a fresh green hue, is the first of its kind in Uttar Pradesh, specially chosen to denote farming and sustainability.
Adding to the charm, the cover was carried by a bullock cart, reviving a traditional rural symbol of India’s agrarian past. The cart, driven by Chhotu, an elderly farmer, accompanied by postman Mr. Santosh, retraced the humble journey of agricultural communication-slow, steady, and rooted in community.
The Ceremonial Journey
The ceremonial journey began from the Agriculture Institute Sub-Post Office, from where the special covers were placed in the bullock cart.
As it made its way to the University auditorium, spectators gathered to witness this symbolic act-a bridge between heritage and modernity.
On reaching the venue, Postman Santosh handed over the album to the Vice-Chancellor, marking the official delivery under the Department of Posts. This gesture beautifully highlighted the role of the postal service as both a messenger and preserver of history.
Event Highlights
The release function was held on the Founders Day of SHUATS, which also marks Sam Higginbottom’s birthday.
The event celebrated not just 100 Years of The Allahabad Farmer but also 115 years of the University’s establishment (founded in 1910).
The gathering was graced by distinguished personalities including:
- Most Rev. Prof. (Dr.) Rajendra B. Lal, Vice-Chancellor, SHUATS
- Prof. Dr. ir. Jonathan A. Lal, Pro Vice-Chancellor
- Prof. (Dr.) Mrs. Ranu Prasad, Registrar
- Prof. (Dr.) C. John Wesley, Additional Registrar
- Prof. (Dr.) Amit Kumar Masih, Director (Financial Planning & Management)
- Dr. Aditya Singh, Secretary General, Philatelic Society of Uttar Pradesh
- Mr. M. Gulrez, Joint Secretary, Philatelic Society of UP
The ceremony was anchored by Mr. Ashish Alexander, while Mr. Rajesh Verma (PRI) and Mr. M. Nooman represented the Postal Department. Other guests included Adv. Shariq, Mr. Anil Kumar Gupta, Mr. Ashok Mital, Mr. Raj, Mr. Chhotu, and Mr. Badelaal, among others.
Symbolism Behind the Cover
This release stands apart for multiple reasons:
- First Bullock Cart Carried Cover from Uttar Pradesh.
- First Grass Green Cancellation, uniquely designed to represent agriculture.
- Commemoration of Asia’s First Agricultural Journal.
- Celebration of Sam Higginbottom’s vision for rural upliftment through education.
Together, these elements make this cover a historic collector’s item, deeply embedded in the themes of progress, sustainability, and legacy.
Collector’s Note
For philatelists, this cover holds immense historic and thematic value-combining agriculture, education, and postal heritage in one design. Its mode of carriage, unique cancellation color, and centenary context ensure its rarity and collectible importance.
Such covers not only mark events but preserve stories-of communities, institutions, and changemakers like Sam Higginbottom.
Closing Thoughts
The Prayagraj Bullock Cart Special Cover is more than a philatelic release-it’s a tribute to India’s agricultural spirit and postal heritage. Through this event, the Department of Posts once again demonstrated how stamps and covers continue to chronicle India’s progress.
🌾📮 A moment where history met heritage-celebrating 100 years of “The Allahabad Farmer” and over a century of agricultural enlightenment in Prayagraj.
Nice cover,price please
If possible5‘for me,please confirm
Sir,
The face value of the cover is Rs. 25.00. We regret to inform you that we are not selling this cover. Kindly contact the concerned postal circle/division that issued the cover for further assistance.