In a significant recognition of contributions to India's agricultural sector, nine distinguished individuals associated with farming and allied fields have been selected for this year's Padma Shri awards. The list includes prominent scientists and innovative farmers whose work has transformed agricultural practices and improved livelihoods across the country.
Scientific Excellence in Rice Development
Among the awardees is Ashok Kumar Singh, a former director of the ICAR Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), who has developed over 25 rice varieties during his illustrious career. His work includes creating different Pusa Basmati and non-Basmati varieties that have substantially increased rice production over the years.
These rice varieties have played a crucial role in boosting India's agricultural exports, contributing approximately Rs 50,000 crore annually from Basmati rice exports alone. Singh's collaborative efforts have also led to the development of the country's first genome-edited rice varieties - 'DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala)' and 'Pusa DST Rice 1'.
Innovative Agricultural Practices
These groundbreaking varieties are expected to not only enhance output but also conserve water resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions during cultivation. Another notable awardee is Gopal Ji Trivedi, former vice-chancellor of the Bihar-based Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, who has revolutionized makhana (fox nuts) cultivation.
Trivedi's efforts have helped farmers adopt makhana cultivation on a large scale, popularizing this nutrient-dense, low-calorie, and gluten-free snack among health-conscious consumers nationwide. Beyond makhana, he has promoted canopy management techniques in Litchi orchards to improve yields and advocated for winter maize cultivation in Bihar.
Recognizing Agricultural Diversity
The Padma Shri list honors four other scientists who have made substantial contributions to agricultural research and biodiversity conservation:
- P L Gautam, former chairperson of the National Biodiversity Authority and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority
- K Ramasamy, former vice chancellor of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
- N Punniamoorthy, former dean at Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University
Farmers' Remarkable Achievements
Four innovative farmers have also been recognized for their outstanding contributions to agriculture and animal husbandry:
- Raghupat Singh (posthumous), a progressive farmer from Moradabad district who conserved more than 55 rare and nearly extinct vegetable varieties while developing around 100 new varieties
- Jogesh Deuri of Assam, who promoted Muga silk and helped it gain wider national and international recognition
- Shrirang Devaba Lad of Maharashtra, who developed the "Dada Lad technique" for cotton cultivation to increase yield
- Telangana's Rama Reddy Mamidi (posthumous), who strengthened cooperative models in animal husbandry and dairy development
These awardees represent the diverse spectrum of agricultural innovation in India, from scientific research to on-ground farming practices. Their collective work has not only advanced agricultural productivity but also contributed significantly to improving farmers' livelihoods across different regions of the country.
The recognition of these nine individuals through Padma Shri awards highlights the government's commitment to honoring those who have made exceptional contributions to India's agricultural sector, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable farming practices that benefit both farmers and consumers.
