New Delhi, April 30, 2025 — Renowned geneticist and plant breeder Dr. Surinder Kumar Vasal, a native of Amritsar, has been awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors, for his extraordinary contributions to agricultural science. The award was presented by the President of India at a ceremonial function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Dr. Vasal is internationally acclaimed for co-developing Quality Protein Maize (QPM), a nutritionally enhanced variety of maize popularly referred to as "miracle maize." This innovation has been instrumental in combating malnutrition across the globe, particularly in developing nations where maize is a staple diet.
QPM differs from traditional maize varieties by providing significantly higher levels of essential amino acids like lysine and tryptophan, which are crucial for human health. This biofortified crop has helped improve food security and nutritional outcomes for millions, making it a cornerstone in the fight against global hunger.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Dr. Vasal worked closely with international agricultural research organizations and governments, ensuring that QPM varieties reached farmers in regions most affected by undernutrition. His efforts have earned global recognition, with many calling his contribution transformative for the agricultural and nutritional sectors.
Accepting the honor, Dr. Vasal dedicated the award to the scientific community and to farmers worldwide. “Science must serve humanity, and I am humbled that my work in plant genetics could make a meaningful difference,” he said.
The Padma Shri adds to a long list of accolades Dr. Vasal has received over the years, including the World Food Prize in 2000, which he shared with Dr. Evangelina Villegas for their collaborative work on QPM.
With this honor, India celebrates not just a scientist, but a visionary whose innovations continue to nourish the world.
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