Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao Receives Prestigious Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award 2026 in Hyderabad

Respectable Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao was awarded the 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award on April 19th, 2026 in Hyderabad. He is currently serving as the Director and Vice-Chancellor of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and he was honored for his pioneering work in the climate-resilient agriculture and natural resource management. The award hold the special importance as it coincides with the birth centenary of Late Prof. M.S. Swaminathan who was the key figure behind the India’s Green Revolution.

Dr. Srinivasa Rao Conferred With The Swaminathan Award

The Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award is the respected recognition in the India’s agricultural sector which celebrates the scientists who contribute significantly to food security and sustainable agriculture.

It is instituted by the Retired ICAR Employees Association in collaboration with Nuziveedu Seeds Limited and this award highlights the excellence in agricultural research and innovation.

Dr. Rao’s work has focused onto the developing climate-resilient farming practices and helped thr Indian agriculture adapt to the changing environmental conditions.

Contributions to Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Dr. Rao has played a important role in the advancing resource conservation technologies across India.

His efforts have led to the,

• Adoption of the sustainable practices across millions of hectares of land
• Also the development of district-level contingency plans for the climate risks
• And the improved soil health and water management strategies

These contributions have strengthened the country’s ability to deal with climate variability, droughts and the extreme weather patterns and ensured the stability in agricultural output.

Significance of the Award in 2026

The 2026 edition of the award is specially important as it marks the 100th birth anniversary of M. S. Swaminathan.

He was lnown as the architect of the India’s Green Revolution and he have transformed the country from food scarcity to the self-sufficiency.

By honoring the scientists like Dr. Rao during this milestone year it underscores the transition from the Green Revolution to Climate-Resilient Agriculture which reflects the evolving priorities in India’s farming sector.

Distinguished Presence at the Ceremony

The award ceremony in the Hyderabad was attended by theseveral eminent personalities like,

• M. Venkaiah Naidu
• Tummala Nageswara Rao
• Mandava Prabhakar Rao
• Vidya Sagar Rao

Their presence highlights the importance of the agricultural innovation in the national development.