Prestigious Honorary Fellow Award by the Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding for Dr. Shiv Kumar Agrawal

ICARDA is delighted to announce that Dr. Shiv Kumar Agrawal, Regional Coordinator South Asia and China Regional Program & Head of the Food Legume Research Platform (FLRP) has been honored with  the prestigious Honorary Fellow Award by the Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding (ISGPB). The award ceremony  was held on December 13, 2024, during the Second National Genetics Congress held in New Delhi, India.

The Congress, themed “Genetics and Genomics for a Better Future: Microbes to Man,” was jointly organized by the Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR) from December 11-13, 2024. This significant event brought together leading scientists, academicians, and researchers to discuss advancements in genetics and genomics and their implications for global development. 

Dr. Agrawal was recognized for his exceptional contributions to the field of genetics and plant breeding, particularly in enhancing global food security through his work on food legumes. His research has been instrumental in developing climate-resilient, biofortified, and high-yielding legume varieties, supporting sustainable agriculture and improving livelihoods worldwide. Dr. Shiv Kumar has contributed to the development of 64 legume varieties, including mung bean (Virat and IPM2-3) and lentil (IPL316, L4727, and L4729 ), which are integral to India's seed chain. Furthermore, his groundbreaking work on biofortified lentil varieties for South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa has significantly improved nutrition and dietary quality for vulnerable communities. 

The executive council of ISGPB unanimously selected Dr. Agrawal for this honor, celebrating his leadership, scientific achievements, and enduring impact on agricultural research and development. ICARDA congratulates Dr. Agrawal on this well-deserved recognition.