The Norman E Borlaug Award (NBA) is a prestigious accolade recognizing significant contributions in the field of agriculture. This year, the award was given to Swati Nayak, affectionately known as 'Bihana Didi' or the 'Seed Lady', for her outstanding work with local communities in Odisha.
Swati Nayak has been instrumental in introducing the drought-tolerant Shahabhagi Dhan rice variety in Odisha. This innovative rice variety has positively impacted crop yields, thereby enhancing food security for local farmers.
Nayak is currently associated with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), a globally recognized organization dedicated to rice research and development. Her involvement with IRRI underscores her commitment to advancing agricultural practices.
Receiving the NBA for "Field Research and Application" is particularly significant, as this honor is typically awarded to breeders. Nayak's achievement highlights her innovative approach in agricultural research.
Nayak's work emphasizes engaging smallholder farmers in demand-driven rice seed systems. Her initiatives promote climate-resilient and nutritious rice varieties, which are vital in adapting to the challenges posed by climate change.
Norman Borlaug, a key figure in the Green Revolution, focused on high-yielding varieties (HYVs) to increase crop production globally. Nayak's efforts align with this legacy, as she strives to improve agricultural productivity through sustainable practices.
In summary, Swati Nayak's recognition with the Norman E Borlaug Award underscores her significant contributions to agriculture. Her work with drought-tolerant rice varieties not only enhances crop yields but also improves the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. This award symbolizes her innovative approach and lasting impact in the agricultural sector.
Q1. What is the Norman E Borlaug Award?
Answer: The Norman E Borlaug Award is a prestigious honor in agriculture that recognizes significant contributions to research and development, particularly in food security and sustainable practices.
Q2. Who is Swati Nayak?
Answer: Swati Nayak, known as 'Bihana Didi', is an agricultural expert recognized for her innovative work on drought-tolerant rice varieties in Odisha, India.
Q3. What is Shahabhagi Dhan rice?
Answer: Shahabhagi Dhan is a drought-tolerant rice variety introduced by Swati Nayak that significantly improves crop yields and supports local farmers in Odisha.
Q4. What role does IRRI play in agriculture?
Answer: The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) conducts research and develops rice varieties to enhance food security and agricultural sustainability globally.
Q5. How did the Green Revolution impact agriculture?
Answer: The Green Revolution introduced high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds and modern agricultural practices, significantly increasing food production and transforming farming globally.
Question 1: What is the primary focus of the Norman E Borlaug Award?
A) Environmental conservation
B) Innovations in agriculture
C) Technological advancements
D) Economic policies
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Who is known as 'Bihana Didi'?
A) A farmer
B) Swati Nayak
C) A scientist
D) A politician
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is the significance of Shahabhagi Dhan rice?
A) High yield
B) Drought tolerance
C) Pest resistance
D) Nutritional value
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What organization is Swati Nayak associated with?
A) FAO
B) IRRI
C) WHO
D) ICRISAT
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What was a key aspect of the Green Revolution?
A) Organic farming
B) Introduction of HYV seeds
C) Traditional methods
D) Export of crops
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: What type of farming does Nayak promote?
A) Industrial farming
B) Climate-resilient farming
C) Conventional farming
D) Urban farming
Correct Answer: B
Question 7: What does the NBA stand for?
A) National Business Award
B) Norman E Borlaug Award
C) National Biodiversity Award
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: B
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