Two IARI scientists get Borlaug Award 2012

Two agriculture scientists K.V. Prabhu and Ashok Kumar Singh, affiliated to the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, have been chosen for the Borlaug Award for the year 2012.

The award has been instituted by fertilizer major Coromandel International.

In a statement issued here, the company said: "A five-member jury headed by M.S. Swaminathan, the father of the Green Revolution in India, has named these eminent scientists for the award."

Prabhu and Singh have been chosen for the award for their contribution in basmati rice research and development.

Coromandel International instituted the award in 1972 to honour Nobel Laureate Norman E. Borlaug.

The award carries a cash prize of Rs.5,00,000, a gold medal and a citation.

It is conferred on scientists in recognition of their outstanding research and contribution in the fields of agriculture and environment by Indian scientists.

Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia will present the award to the scientists in New Delhi Nov 28, on the occasion of the Coromandel Lecture on 'Cutting-edge Science for food security, economic growth and environment protection', to be delivered by Robert S Zeigler, director general of the International Rice Research Institute. - IANS