Important Facts For Prelims
Norman E. Borlaug Award
- 26 Sep 2023
- 2 min read
Why in News?
Indian agriculture scientist Dr. Swati Nayak, affectionately known as "Bihana Didi" or "Seed Lady" by local communities in Odisha, has been honored with the Norman E. Borlaug Award for 2023.
- She became the third Indian to receive this prestigious award after Aditi Mukherji (2012) and Mahalingam Govindaraj (2022), recognizing her remarkable contributions to agriculture, particularly in the realm of drought-tolerant rice varieties.
What is Norman E. Borlaug Award?
- The award is endowed by the Rockefeller Foundation, the award is presented every October in Des Moines, Iowa, US by the World Food Prize Foundation to honor individuals under the age of 40 who have achieved remarkable, science-based accomplishments in international agriculture and food production.
- The award is named after Norman E. Borlaug, the father of the Green Revolution and the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
- The award diploma incorporates the image of Dr. Norman E. Borlaug at work in the fields of Mexico and a cash prize of USD 10,000.
What are the Contributions of Swati Nayak?
- Dr. Swati Nayak Introduced drought-tolerant Shahabhagi Dhan rice variety in Odisha. It brought about a major change in rainfed areas. The variety became an integral element of every farmer family’s diet and crop rotation.
- Many climate-resilient rice varieties have been successfully deployed in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal through her diligent strategy, partnerships, and unique positioning models.
- She is recognised for her innovative approach to engaging smallholder farmers in demand-driven rice seed systems, from testing and deployment to equitable access and adoption of climate-resilient and nutritious rice varieties.
- Pioneered a comprehensive blueprint for the first-ever dedicated Indian government initiative for women farmers, benefitting four million women farmers.
