Padma Awards 2026 Honor Agricultural Scientists and Farmers for Outstanding Contributions

Union Government has announced the list of Padma Awards 2026, honoring 131 individuals for their exceptional service across various fields. The list includes five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards. Among the awardees are 19 women and 16 posthumous recipients.

Five senior scientists engaged in agricultural research and development have been selected for the Padma Shri for their long-standing contributions to crop improvement, biodiversity conservation, agricultural education, and livestock development.

Agricultural Scientists Awarded Padma Shri

Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh (Former Director, IARI, Pusa)
Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh is one of India’s leading agricultural scientists, known for his pioneering work in rice, especially Basmati varieties. Under his leadership at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), high-yielding, disease-resistant, and superior-quality Basmati varieties were developed, strengthening India’s global reputation in Basmati rice exports. His research significantly enhanced farmers’ incomes and expanded export potential.

Dr. P. L. Gautam (Former Chairperson, NBA and PPVFRA)
Dr. P. L. Gautam played a key role in institutionalizing biodiversity conservation and plant variety protection in India. As Chairperson of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA), he worked to safeguard farmers’ seed rights, promote registration of traditional varieties, and ensure sustainable use of biological resources. He is credited with developing improved crop varieties, including wheat and foxtail millet.

Dr. K. Ramaswamy (Former Vice Chancellor, TNAU)
Dr. K. Ramaswamy made significant contributions to integrating agricultural education, research, and extension services. During his tenure at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), major initiatives were launched on climate-resilient farming, soil health management, and modern agricultural technologies. He also expanded farmer training programs and strengthened farmer–scientist interaction.

Dr. G. L. Trivedi (Former Vice Chancellor, RPCAU)
Dr. G. L. Trivedi contributed to strengthening agricultural research and higher education in eastern India. As Vice Chancellor of Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), he promoted crop diversification, sustainable farming systems, and greater participation of rural youth in agricultural education. His leadership emphasized research focused on regional agricultural challenges, directly benefiting local farmers.

Dr. N. Punniamoorthy (Former Dean, TANVASU)
Dr. N. Punniamoorthy made notable contributions in the fields of animal husbandry and veterinary education. As Dean at Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANVASU), he promoted animal health, dairy productivity, and modern livestock management practices. His work provided a scientific foundation for livestock-based livelihoods and improved productivity among livestock farmers.

Farmers to Receive Padma Shri

Four farmers have been selected for the Padma Shri for their outstanding contributions to agriculture and animal husbandry.

Raghupat Singh (Uttar Pradesh, Posthumous)
A progressive farmer from Bilari in Moradabad district, Raghupat Singh conserved more than 55 rare and nearly extinct vegetable varieties and developed around 100 new varieties. His work in seed conservation and innovation earned him several national awards during his lifetime.

Jogesh Deuri (Assam)
Jogesh Deuri has been honored for his efforts in conserving and promoting Muga silk, an integral part of Assam’s cultural identity and biodiversity. His initiatives increased incomes for thousands of rural families and helped Muga silk gain wider national and international recognition.

Shrirang Devaba Lad (Maharashtra)
Known for agricultural innovation, Shrirang Devaba Lad developed the “Dada Lad technique” for cotton cultivation, which boosted cotton yields by nearly 300 percent. His method increased farmers’ incomes by over 40 percent and has been adopted by thousands of cultivators.

Ram Reddy Mamidi (Telangana, Posthumous)
Ram Reddy Mamidi strengthened cooperative models in animal husbandry and dairy development. He trained farmers in livestock management, dairy practices, and financial literacy, while promoting women-led cooperative societies and self-reliant rural livelihoods.

Recognition for Environmental Conservation

Environmental conservation also found a place in this year’s Padma list. Kollakkayil Devaki Amma of Kerala has been honored for creating a private forest spread over more than five acres behind her home despite being physically disabled after a road accident. Her initiative has become a living example of biodiversity conservation and environmental commitment.

The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honors and are conferred in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. The recognition of agricultural scientists, farmers, and environmental champions in the 2026 list highlights the nation’s growing emphasis on sustainable development, food security, and grassroots innovation.

The awards will be formally presented by the President of India at a ceremony to be held later this year at Rashtrapati Bhavan.