NAAS Felicitates Harvir Singh and Prabhudatt Mishra for Contribution to Agricultural Journalism

The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), the premier body of agricultural scientists in the country, felicitated Padma awardees, NAAS fellows, farmers, agro-industrialists, and media personalities for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields on the occasion of its Foundation Day, observed on Thursday.

Harvir Singh, Editor-in-Chief of Rural Voice and Prabhudatt Mishra, Deputy Editor of The Hindu Business Line, were felicitated for their significant contribution and achievements in the field of agricultural journalism at the function held in New Delhi.

Harvir Singh, former Editor of Outlook (Hindi), has held top editorial positions at leading media houses such as Amar Ujala, Dainik Bhaskar, and Hindustan. He is widely known for his deep understanding of agriculture, rural development, and economic issues. In recognition of his outstanding work in agricultural journalism, he received the World Food Day Award from the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2001 and the Chaudhary Charan Singh Award for Excellence in Journalism for Agricultural Research and Development from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 2002. Harvir Singh has played a crucial role in bringing policy issues related to farmers and rural India into national discourse.

Prabhudatt Mishra has covered agriculture-related issues for several leading media outlets in the country, including the news agency PTI. With nearly three decades of experience in journalism, he is known for his in-depth reporting and analytical approach to agricultural trade, food security, and policy matters. He is regarded as one of the few journalists who have successfully brought agriculture-related issues into the media spotlight.

NAAS Secretary Dr. W.S. Lakra said that this is a recognition of the long-standing efforts of Harvir Singh and Prabhudatta Mishra to cover the agriculture sector in the national media. The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), established in 1990, has completed 35 years of its establishment this year. The 32nd Annual General Meeting and Foundation Day ceremony of the Academy were organized in New Delhi on 4-5 June. 

On this occasion, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), delivered the Foundation Day Lecture on the theme “One Health: Guiding Our Future.” The program was presided over by Dr. Himanshu Pathak, President of NAAS and Director General, ICRISAT. Notable agricultural experts, including Dr. P.K. Joshi (Vice President, NAAS) and Dr. Ashok K. Singh (Secretary, NAAS), were present. Senior NAAS fellows were also felicitated, and awards for young agricultural scientists were presented as well.