Dr. Swati Nayak, an Indian scientist working at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), has been honored with the 2023 Norman E. Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application by the World Food Prize Foundation. Dr. Nayak’s pioneering research focuses on involving smallholder farmers in demand-driven rice seed systems, emphasizing climate-resilient and nutritious rice varieties. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional scientists under 40 who make significant contributions to food and nutrition security and the eradication of hunger. It pays tribute to the legacy of Nobel laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug, renowned as the chief architect of the Green Revolution.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Norman E. Borlaug Award: An award presented by the World Food Prize Foundation to outstanding scientists under the age of 40 who have made significant contributions to addressing global food security and hunger.
- International Rice Research Institute (IRRI): An organization dedicated to rice research and development, working to improve the quality and production of rice while focusing on sustainability and food security.
- Demand-Driven Rice Seed Systems: An approach that tailors rice seed production to meet the specific needs and preferences of farmers and consumers, enhancing agricultural productivity and food quality.
- Climate-Resilient Rice Varieties: Rice strains that exhibit increased tolerance to climate-related stressors such as drought, floods, and temperature fluctuations, contributing to stable crop yields despite changing environmental conditions.
- Nobel laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug: A renowned scientist and humanitarian recognized as a key figure in the Green Revolution, which greatly increased global food production and alleviated hunger through innovations in agriculture and crop breeding.