Swati Nayak selected for the 2023 Borlaug Field Award

Tags: Awards

Odia scientist Swati Nayak selected as the recipient of the Borlaug Field Award 2023.

An Overview of the News

• Swati Nayak is currently working as a Scientist and South Asia Head for Seed System and Product Management at the Philippines-based CGIAR-International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

• Swati Nayak received the award for her innovative approach to engaging farmers in demand-driven rice seed systems, testing, deploying, and promoting access and adoption of climate-resilient and nutritious rice varieties.

• The award was presented to him by the prestigious selection jury of the World Food Prize, highlighting his significant contributions to global food production and combating hunger and malnutrition.

Swati Nayak's Career and Achievements

• Throughout her 13-year career, Swati Nayak has organized over 10,000 on-farm and comparative testings, leading to the dissemination of more than 20 climate-resilient, high-yielding, bio-fortified, and healthier rice varieties through seed systems in multiple countries.

• She was instrumental in introducing the drought-tolerant rice variety Shahbhagi paddy in Mayurbhanj, Odisha, which is highly popular in Odisha and other parts of India even after eight years.

• Swati Nayak contributed to the establishment of Seeds Without Borders, an international seed policy agreement that facilitates the distribution of modern varieties of rice in South and Southeast Asia.

• She actively contributed to empowering women in agriculture through her work with the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) led by the Government of India and the World Bank.

Official Awards Presentation

• Swati Nayak will officially receive the Borlaug Field Award during the Borlaug Dialogue event on October 24 in Des Moines, Iowa.

• The Borlaug Field Prize, named for agricultural scientist and Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug, consists of a $10,000 prize and an award diploma.