Padma Awards 2026: Eight Agricultural Stalwarts Honoured as Icons of Indian Farming
28 January 2026, New Delhi: The Padma Awards 2026 have recognised eight distinguished scientists, innovators, and progressive farmers for their exceptional contribution to Indian agriculture and rural livelihoods. Honoured for their lifelong commitment to transforming farming practices, these individuals have played a pivotal role in strengthening sustainability, productivity, and farmers’ incomes across the country.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) described the awardees as the “pride of Indian agriculture,” noting that their innovations have not only modernised farming systems but have also directly benefited millions of farmers. Their work spans critical areas such as crop science, natural farming, seed development, sericulture, animal husbandry, and cooperative-led rural development, reinforcing India’s agricultural economy at the grassroots level.
Below is a closer look at the eight agricultural leaders honoured with the Padma Awards 2026 for their outstanding contributions:
Dr A.K. Singh: Architect of 25 Improved Basmati Rice Varieties
Dr A.K. Singh has been awarded the Padma Shri for his landmark contribution to rice and basmati breeding. A renowned plant geneticist, he served the ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) for nearly three decades and was also its former Director.
Dr Singh played a key role in developing 25 improved basmati rice varieties, which today generate nearly ₹50,000 crore in foreign exchange earnings annually, significantly strengthening India’s position in the global rice export market.
Dr Gopal Ji Trivedi: Transforming Litchi Cultivation in Bihar
Bihar-based agricultural expert Dr Gopal Ji Trivedi received the Padma Shri for his contribution to traditional knowledge-based farming and agricultural extension.
He introduced canopy management techniques in ageing litchi orchards, leading to a sharp increase in productivity and substantially higher farmer incomes. His efforts to promote commercial cultivation of makhana and water chestnut in waterlogged areas have further diversified income opportunities for farmers, positioning Bihar as a hub of agricultural innovation.
Dr K. Ramasamy: Pioneer of Sustainable and Natural Farming
Tamil Nadu’s Dr K. Ramasamy has been honoured with the Padma Shri for advancing sustainable agriculture and farmer-led innovations.
His work spans agricultural biotechnology, ferti-irrigation systems, biogas technology, and natural farming. Having led over 30 research projects, Dr Ramasamy ensured that scientific research translated into practical, field-level solutionsfor farmers.
Dr Prem Lal Gautam: Guardian of Plant Genetic Resources
Veteran scientist Dr Prem Lal Gautam from Himachal Pradesh received the Padma Shri for his contribution to plant genetics, crop improvement, and biodiversity conservation.
His work in conserving plant genetic resources has played a vital role in strengthening India’s agricultural research and education ecosystem, while safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.
Shrirang Devba Lad: Achieving up to 300% Yield Growth in Cotton
Progressive farmer and innovator Shrirang Devba Lad from Maharashtra has been awarded the Padma Shri for his path-breaking innovations in cotton cultivation.
His indigenous ‘Dada Lad Cotton Technique’ has resulted in up to 300 percent increase in seed cotton yields, raising farmers’ incomes by over 40 percent and benefitting thousands of cotton growers.
Jogesh Deuri: Revitalising Rural Livelihoods through Muga Silk
Assam’s Jogesh Deuri has been conferred the Padma Shri for his grassroots work in agriculture and livelihood development.
He played a crucial role in the conservation and promotion of muga silk, a globally renowned heritage product of Assam. By integrating traditional sericulture with modern scientific practices, he created sustainable livelihood models for thousands of rural households.
Raghupat Singh: The Farming Sage of India (Posthumous)
Farmer-innovator Raghupat Singh from Moradabad district, Uttar Pradesh, has been honoured with the Padma Shri (Posthumous).
He developed 23 improved varieties of rajma (kidney beans) and revived more than 55 nearly extinct vegetable varieties. His lifelong experimentation led to the identification of nearly 100 new plant types, including a bottle gourd variety measuring over 1.5 metres in length.
Ram Reddy Mamidi: Strengthening Rural Livelihoods through Cooperatives (Posthumous)
From Telangana, Ram Reddy Mamidi was posthumously awarded the Padma Shri for his contribution to livestock-based rural livelihoods.
Through cooperative institutions, he trained farmers, promoted dairy development, and placed special emphasis on women-led cooperatives, significantly improving income security in rural communities.
Also Read: ISARC Director Awarded with Uttar Pradesh’s Highest Civilian Award
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