In a proud moment for Indian agriculture, Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, a distinguished scientist originally from the village of Barahat in Ghazipur district, eastern Uttar Pradesh, has been honored with the prestigious Padma Shri Award for 2026. This recognition celebrates his monumental contributions to the development of Basmati rice varieties that have reshaped Indian farming, enhanced export revenues, and uplifted the livelihoods of countless farmers across the nation.
From Humble Beginnings to Agricultural Excellence
Dr. Singh's journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing in a peasant family, where agriculture was not just an occupation but a way of life. Inspired by his father, the late Kedar Nath Singh, an innovative farmer known for his forward-thinking approaches, young Ashok developed a profound interest in agriculture from an early age. His educational path was marked by unwavering determination, as he pursued his graduate and post-graduate degrees at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) before earning his PhD from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi. This solid academic foundation paved the way for his illustrious career as a leading rice breeder.
Revolutionizing Basmati Rice Through Innovation
As a former director and Vice Chancellor of ICAR–IARI, Pusa, New Delhi, Dr. Singh played a pivotal role in advancing Basmati rice cultivation. His work involved the development of several groundbreaking varieties, including the widely acclaimed Pusa Basmati 1509 and Pusa Basmati 1692. By leveraging advanced molecular breeding techniques, he successfully engineered varieties that combined superior grain quality with robust resistance to major diseases such as bacterial blight, blast, and bakanae.
Key Varieties and Their Impact
Under his leadership, a series of high-performing Basmati rice varieties were introduced, which have been widely adopted by farmers. These include:
- Pusa Basmati 1718
- Pusa Basmati 1728
- Pusa Basmati 1847
- Pusa Basmati 1885
- Pusa Basmati 1886
Additionally, Dr. Singh spearheaded the development of herbicide-tolerant Basmati rice varieties, notably Pusa Basmati 1979 and 1985. These innovations have promoted the adoption of direct-seeded rice (DSR) cultivation, a more efficient and sustainable farming practice that reduces water usage and labor costs.
Collaborative Achievements
Dr. Singh's contributions extend beyond his solo efforts; he also collaborated as an associate breeder on the iconic Pusa Basmati 1121, a variety that has become synonymous with premium Basmati rice in global markets. His collaborative spirit and expertise have been instrumental in setting new benchmarks in rice breeding.
Widespread Adoption and Economic Impact
The varieties developed under Dr. Singh's guidance are now cultivated across more than 2.5 million hectares in the GI-designated Basmati-growing region of India. This extensive cultivation yields nearly 10 million tonnes of milled Basmati rice annually, a testament to the scalability and success of his work.
Boosting India's Export Economy
The economic ramifications of Dr. Singh's innovations are profound. Approximately 6 million tonnes of Basmati rice are exported each year, generating around 6 billion dollars (equivalent to Rs 51,000 crore) in foreign exchange. This substantial contribution accounts for nearly 12 percent of India's total agricultural export earnings, highlighting the strategic importance of Basmati rice in the national economy.
A Legacy of Transformation
Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh's Padma Shri Award is not just a personal accolade but a recognition of how scientific ingenuity can drive agricultural transformation. His work has not only strengthened India's position in the global rice market but also improved the livelihoods of millions of farmers by providing them with resilient, high-yield crop options. As India continues to advance in agricultural research, Dr. Singh's legacy serves as an inspiring blueprint for future innovations in the field.
