Losing no time Dr. U S Awasthi tweeted “ #IFFCO congrats #Dr Sajaya Rajaram for winning @World Food Prize 2014 Also known as the sultan of #wheat Created 480 varieties of wheat #amazing”.
Varanasi born Sanjaya Rajaram is a veteran plant scientist based currently in Mexico. He has been chosen for this year’s World Food Prize for his scientific research that led to a prodigious increase in world wheat production.
His award-ceremony coincides with World Food Day which also falls on October 16. On this occasion the MD of IFFCO which is closely connected with farming by virtue of being the largest producer of fertilizer in India tweeted “ Today is world food day #IFFCO pays tribute to millions of farmers across the world who have contributed for humanity by providing food”.
Conceived by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Norman Borlaug, World Food Prize emphasizes the importance of a nutritious and sustainable food supply for all people. Borlaug saw the prize as a means of establishing role models who would inspire others.
M.S. Swaminathan was the first recipient of this award in 1987. The selection of Dr. Rajaram is being billed significant as this year marked the centenary year of Dr. Borlaug. Regarded as the most prestigious award in the area of food and agriculture, the Prize, carries a cash prize of $ 250,000.