Varanasi: International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), scientist, Swati Nayak has been honoured with the 2023 Borlaug Field Award by the selection jury of World Food Prize. She is known for her role in engaging farmers in demand-driven rice seed systems, from testing and deployment to access and adoption of climate-resilient and nutritious rice varieties.The Borlaug Field Award, named in honour of the renowned agricultural scientist and Nobel laureate Dr Norman Borlaug, is given to individuals under the age of 40 whose pioneering science based work have significantly advanced the worlds food production and helped alleviate malnutrition. The recipient is awarded US $10,000 and an award diploma. ISARC director Sudhanshu Singh said, It is a proud moment for me and the whole of our organization to celebrate this well-deserved addition to Dr Swati Nayaks flock of achievements. A perfect epitome of female empowerment and leadership skills, she has extended her significant contribution to strengthening the seed systems and agricultural extensions in South Asia in her journey with IRRI.Nayak said, I am deeply grateful to the World Food Prize Foundation for this honour which echoes our joint pledge to build a resilient food system and a better world for all. As a proud IRRI-CGIAR scientist , I dedicate this award to thousands of agriculture extensionists, change agents, and scaling and innovation experts, specifically to all the young women professionals who are directly working with the farmers.In Nayaks 13 year long career,she has been the South Asia Lead for Seed Systems at IRRI, and for cereal seed system group under the key initiative SeedEqual of CGIAR. She has organised more than 10,000 on-farm and comparative testing and participatory evaluations for more than 500 rice varieties and disseminated more than 20 path-breaking varieties. Nayak and her team formulated a strategy for introducing the drought-tolerant rice variety Shahabhagi Dhan in Mayurbhanj, Odisha. The award was officially announced on September 19 during a CGIAR-hosted event at the New York City Climate Week. Dr Swati Nayak is set to formally receive the award during the Borlaug Dialogue scheduled to take place on October 24 in Des Moines, Iowa. We also published the following articles recentlyOdia scientist wins Borlaug Field AwardSwati Nayak, an Odia scientist, has been selected to receive the Borlaug Field Award 2023 for her innovative approach to engaging farmers in demand-driven rice seed systems. She works as a scientist at CGIAR-International Rice Research Institute. The award recognizes her outstanding contribution to agriculture and food production. Nayak dedicates the award to change agents and young women professionals working with farmers. In other news, Mahabir Nayak wins the Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit award, adulterated rice is discovered in the Anna Bhagya scheme, and a court rejects the request for scientific tests on a DRDO scientist.Mahabir Nayak wins Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit awardMahabir Nayak, an 80-year-old veteran artist from Ranchi, has been awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit award-2022. He is known for composing 500 folk songs and documenting over 1,000 songs. Mahabirs name was proposed by folk exponent Nandlal Nayak. He is recognized for his contribution to Jharkhands music and culture, particularly in Nagpuri language. Mahabir went on his first international tour in 1992. This award is part of the Sangeet Natak Akademis initiative to honor artists above 75 years old who have not received any national honors before.Stones and tamarind seeds mixed with Anna Bhagya riceAdulterated rice was discovered in bags supplied for the Anna Bhagya scheme in Mangaluru. The rice contained small red stones, tamarind seeds, and flour used for prasada. The issue was brought to the attention of the department of food and civil supplies, and officials have visited the society. The rice bags were supplied in plastic bags instead of jute bags. The department has requested a report and action will be taken. In another incident, 355 tonnes of smuggled PDS rice were seized by the civil supplies CID in Chennai.

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