Awards of Agricultural Excellence
The MS Swaminathan Award List is among India’s most prestigious awards in agricultural research and innovation. It has been named after Professor M.S. Swaminathan, the father of the Green Revolution, with the aim of celebrating the scientists who have consolidated sustainable agriculture. The MS Swaminathan Award List motivates contemporary solutions to real issues experienced by farmers in India and beyond.
All About the MS Swaminathan Award
The MS Swaminathan Award List was produced to reward people for excellence in the field of agricultural science as well as to introduce new inventions. Held once every two years, it recognizes individuals whose research has enhanced crops, farming, and environmentally friendly processes. Over the years it has been used as an insignia of dedication towards assuring food security whilst conserving natural resources and rural livelihoods.
Some of the recent honorable mentions of the MS Swaminathan Award List are listed below.
| Year | Recipient | Contribution |
| 2023 | Dr. P. V. Satyanarayana | Contributions to agricultural science and research |
| 2022 | Dr. V. N. Kulkarni | Advances in soil, water conservation, and sustainable crop production |
| 2021 | Dr. M. S. Swaminathan (Posthumous) | Global award for food and peace |
| 2021 | Dr. V. Praveen Rao | Research and teaching in micro-irrigation and agricultural extension |
| 2019 | Dr. R. R. Hanchinal | Excellence in crop breeding and dryland crop development |
Purpose and Vision
The MS Swaminathan Award List is an attempt to promote advancement in plant genetics, crop improvement, water management, and sustainable farming systems. It is not only meant to reward the accomplished scientific talent but also to showcase work that builds the communities in the rural areas. In recognizing distinguished scientists, the award promotes India as a nation whose vision is to be able to provide food to all through research and practical farming methods.
Roles in empowering farmers
Besides the greatest contributions, the MS Swaminathan Award List is also associated with the farmers. Most awardees have come up with better crop varieties, irrigating methods, and soil management techniques, which directly serve farming communities. The award is important to identify research with practical significance so that farmers can be equipped with tools and information that can lead to increased incomes, risk reduction, and sustainable harvests.
Setting Up a Liberty Legacy
The awards list is not meant to reward the past or present only but to provide a glimpse of the future as well. Young scientists and students consider it as an example that should be followed to do research in agriculture. The award thereby inspires the future generation to keep working on the innovations in farming, sustainability, and food security, therefore making sure that the agricultural sector moves towards a rise.
FAQs
Q1. Who presents the MS Swaminathan Award?
Ans: RISA (Retired ICAR Scientists’ Association), in conjunction with Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd., presents it.
Q2. How frequently is it awarded?
Ans: It is presented once in every two years to honor the exceptional excellence of the agricultural scientists.
Q3. Which fields are identified in this award?
Ans: It recognizes plant breakthroughs in genetics, crop development, water, food security, and sustainable agriculture.
Q4. What can the award mean to India?
Ans: It encourages studies that are useful to the farmers directly and improves India’s agricultural future.
