Padma Shri for Dr A.K. Singh, Whose Basmati Varieties Transformed Farmer Incomes

Noted agricultural scientist Dr Ashok Kumar Singh, widely regarded as one of India’s foremost experts in plant genetics and rice breeding, has been selected for the Padma Shri this year in recognition of his outstanding contribution to agricultural science, particularly in the development of basmati rice varieties.

Dr Singh has been closely associated with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi, for nearly three decades. During this period, he played a key role in the development of 25 improved basmati rice varieties that are currently cultivated across nearly two million hectares in India. These varieties have significantly enhanced productivity, grain quality and export competitiveness, directly benefiting millions of basmati farmers across northern India.

The impact of Dr Singh’s work extends well beyond the farm. The basmati varieties developed under his leadership are estimated to generate foreign exchange earnings of around ₹50,000 crore annually, making basmati rice one of India’s most valuable agricultural exports. His research helped strengthen India’s position in global basmati markets while ensuring stable and remunerative incomes for farmers.

A former Director of ICAR-IARI, Dr Singh was also honoured last December with a prestigious Agricultural Scientist Award by Rural Voice. Over the years, he has received numerous national and institutional honours, including the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award, Bharat Ratna Dr C. Subramaniam Award, Nanaji Deshmukh Interdisciplinary Team Award, Borlaug Award, IARI Best Teacher Award, Dr B.P. Pal Award, Vasvik Award, Om Prakash Bhasin Award and the D.S. Barar Award.

Dr A.K. Singh was also honoured last December with a prestigious Agricultural Scientist Award by Rural Voice.

Dr Singh has authored two books and published more than 250 research papers in leading national and international scientific journals. He is a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI), and the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), reflecting his standing in the global scientific community.

An alumnus of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Dr Singh completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in agriculture with specialisation in plant genetics and breeding. He later earned his doctoral degree from ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, for his research on rice breeding. His Padma Shri recognition underscores the vital role of agricultural research in strengthening India’s food security, rural prosperity and export leadership.