Basmati pioneer transforms farming landscape with twenty-five unique varieties
India has recognised the monumental contributions of Dr Ashok Kumar Singh to the agricultural sector by selecting him for the prestigious Padma Shri award this year. Known widely as a visionary in plant genetics, Dr Singh is celebrated for his revolutionary work in rice breeding which has fundamentally changed the economic landscape for farmers across the nation.
Transforming Agriculture with Science
Spending nearly three decades at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi, Padma Shri Dr Ashok Kumar Singh spearheaded research that led to the creation of 25 improved varieties of Basmati rice. His dedication to science went beyond the laboratory. Today, the varieties developed under his guidance cover approximately two million hectares of farmland. These specific strains are designed to offer higher yields and better grain quality, directly impacting the livelihood of millions of cultivators in northern India.
Boosting India’s Economy
The impact of Dr Singh’s research is visible in India's global trade statistics. The Basmati varieties attributed to his team are estimated to bring in foreign exchange earnings worth ₹50,000 crore every year. By making Indian Basmati more competitive in the international market, his work has ensured that farming remains a profitable and stable profession for many.
A Lifetime of Achievement
Before receiving this national honour, Dr Singh served as the Director of ICAR-IARI. His academic journey began at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, where he specialised in plant genetics before earning his doctorate from IARI.
His shelf is already adorned with numerous accolades, including the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award and the Bharat Ratna Dr C. Subramaniam Award. He is also a prolific writer, having authored two books and over 250 research papers. This latest recognition underscores the critical role agricultural scientists play in securing India’s food security and economic prosperity.
Image Source: Rural Voice
