New Delhi, Ap 23: Mexico-based scientist Ravi Prakash Singh has been recognized for his groundbreaking work in fortifying wheat strains against rust diseases, a vital step in securing global food supplies.
President Draupadi Murmu presided over the Padma Shri awards ceremony, where Singh, originally from Varanasi, was honored for his exceptional contributions to agricultural science. As the head of Global Wheat Improvement at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Singh has been instrumental in developing 649 wheat varieties released across 48 countries, with 224 varieties directly under his leadership, covering approximately 10 million hectares of land.
Since joining CIMMYT in 1983 after earning his PhD from the University of Sydney, Singh's scientific endeavors have been focused on protecting wheat from the devastating effects of rust diseases, which are caused by fungi and pose a significant threat to crop yields. His efforts have not only safeguarded the livelihoods of smallholder farmers worldwide but also enhanced food security for billions who rely on wheat as a dietary staple.
Singh's innovative approach has led to the development of over 730 climate-resilient, high-yield wheat varieties, benefiting smallholder farmers globally. His work has been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the 2021 Borlaug Global Rust Initiative (BGRI) Lifetime Achievement Award.
In the early 2000s, Singh played a pivotal role in addressing the emergence of a highly virulent rust race in East Africa, which posed a serious risk to wheat production worldwide. His proactive stance led to the establishment of the BGRI and an international collaborative effort to combat the threat posed by the rust known as Ug99.
Through his leadership, elite wheat lines resistant to various rust diseases were developed, along with new strains tolerant to high temperatures. Singh's visionary approach also involved the implementation of innovative techniques, such as "pyramiding" multiple rust-resistance genes into a single variety, making it challenging for pathogens to evolve and compromise crop yields.
Singh's remarkable achievements have garnered widespread recognition, including the Parvasi Bharatiya Sammelan Award in 2021, underscoring his profound impact on global agriculture and food security.
