Visionary Agricultural Leader Recognized for Transformative Contributions to Food Security and Rural Development
New Delhi: The esteemed Dr. M S Swaminathan Award for Leadership in Agriculture for the year 2022 has found its worthy recipient in Dr. Surinder (Suri) Sehgal. The award was presented in recognition of his monumental contributions to ensuring food security, alleviating poverty, and making a substantial impact on the farmers and the national agriculture scenario.
A Legacy of Agricultural Excellence
Established in 2004 by the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS) based in Pusa Campus, New Delhi, this award pays tribute to Dr. M S Swaminathan, the pioneering legend of Indian agriculture. Notably, the first laureate of this accolade was Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, with the honor presented by former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Since its inception, a total of twelve distinguished agricultural leaders have been bestowed with this honor.
Dr. Sehgal’s Global Imprint
Having shaped the global hybrid seed industry, Dr. Sehgal has been a beacon of innovation and enterprise. His pioneering endeavors led to the establishment of the Proagro Group of seed companies and Hytech Seed India.
Furthermore, under his guidance, the S M Sehgal Foundation (SMSF) commenced its operations in a modest set of four villages in the Mewat region of Haryana. Today, the organization has expanded its reach, touching the lives of over 4.2 million people across 2,040 villages in twelve Indian states. The foundation’s initiatives have ushered in improvements in water access and quality, farming practices, farmer incomes, and promoting active participation in governmental programs.
A Life of Dedication
The award ceremony showcased a short film encapsulating Dr. Sehgal’s transformative impact on the rural communities, both in India and abroad. Over 100 dignitaries were present to witness this tribute.
The online presence of Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, MSSRF chairperson, added gravitas to the occasion. Dr. Gurbachan Singh, TAAS vice chairman, eloquently read out the citation. The award was conferred by eminent maize breeder and previous award recipient, Dr. S. K. Vasal.
In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Dr. Sehgal reflected on his journey and emphasized the role of agriculture in addressing world hunger and promoting biodiversity. Gratitude was expressed to TAAS and all who supported him, with a special mention of his wife, Edda.
A Celebration of Commitment
The award ceremony was brought to a close with heartfelt gratitude from Dr. Bhag Mal, TAAS secretary, marking the conclusion of an event that celebrated a lifetime dedicated to agricultural excellence and transformative change.
