DR GURDEV SINGH KHUSH CONFERRED “KRISHI SHIROMANI SAMMAN”

LUDHIANA, FEBRUARY 22:-----

Dr Gurdev Singh Khush, an eminent scientist of international repute and alumnus of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), has been conferred "Krishi Shriomani Samman" during the Mahindra Samriddhi India Agri Awards 2012, for his outstanding contributions to the field of agriculture across the globe. He was selected by the panel of renowned and illustrious jury, chaired by Mr P.K. Basu, Secretary (Agriculture and Cooperation), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, New Delhi.



With his dedication and hard work, Dr Khush has developed more than 200 varieties of rice. The farmers adopted these modern varieties and the world's supply of rice doubled in just 25 years i.e. from 257 million tones in 1966 to 250 million tones in 1990. More than 60 per cent of the world's rice fields are planted with the varieties developed under his leadership. Prior to the beginning of the green revolution, varieties took 6-7 months to mature and yielded about 1-2 tones per hectare. Dr Khush modified the plant by reducing its height, shortening maturing time and increasing response to fertilizers. Under optimal conditions, these plants can yield up to 10 tones per hectare.



A plant breeder and geneticist at International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines, Dr Khush has visited more than 60 rice-growing countries and has been consultant in rice improvement programmes. He has trained rice breeders from around the world, served as major advisor to M.Sc and P.hD students and laid the groundwork for rice breeding programmes in many places.



During his distinguished career, Dr Khush has been recipient of numerous awards and honours. Among them, the prestigious awards are Japan Prize by Japan Centre for Science and Technology (1987) and World Food Prize (1960).



Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, congratulated Dr Khush for the big achievement. He added, "Last year, the PAU was adjudged as the "Best Agricultural University -2011" and bagged 'Krishi Shiksha Samman.' This year again, it is matter of pride and honour that the efforts of Dr Khush have got due recognition in the Golden Jubilee Year of PAU." Dr Khush has taken his alma-mater to greater heights by bagging the "Krishi Shriomani Samman," added he.
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com