UTTAR PRADESH, India (24 January 2026) — Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, Director of the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), has received the Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman, the highest civilian award of the state, in recognition of his contributions to agricultural research, innovation, and sustainable food systems.

The Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman, instituted by the Government of Uttar Pradesh and organized by the Department of Culture, recognizes individuals whose distinctive work has brought honor to the state. The award was presented by India’s Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah during the inauguration of Uttar Pradesh Day 2026, held at the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, other ministers, senior officials, and dignitaries were also present at the event.

Dr. Singh has been awarded this honor in recognition of his outstanding contributions to agricultural research, innovation, and sustainable food systems for over three decades. His pioneering efforts have played a pivotal role in positioning the state as a global hub for agricultural innovation, especially in rice-based and diversified cropping systems, enhancing productivity, resilience, and sustainability. In particular, the award recognizes his work in developing and disseminating submergence-tolerant rice varieties (Sub1) that improve food security and enhance farming system resilience.

Hailing from Samenda Village in Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Singh is a globally acclaimed agronomist. A Gold Medalist in B.Sc. Agriculture and M.Sc. Agronomy from ANDUAT, Ayodhya, UP. He began his career through the Rajasthan Public Service Commission before advancing his Ph.D. and Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines. He served as System Agronomist for South Asia at IRRI from 2013 to 2020 and currently leads strategic rice research initiatives across South Asia and Africa through South–South collaboration.

He has authored over 150 scientific publications and led more than 30 international research projects. As founder and Director of ISARC in Varanasi, Dr. Singh has transformed it into a globally recognized center for rice research and innovation, promoting climate-smart and sustainable agricultural systems.