Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab State Food Commission honours 'World Rice Man' Dr. G.S. Khush for his outstanding contribution
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana (Punjab), March 21, 2025- Punjab State Food Commission Chairman, Bal Mukand Sharma honored renowned World Food Prize winner, Dr. Gurdeep Singh Khush, also known as the 'World Rice Man', for his significant contribution to food security.
Former Principal Secretary to the Government of India, Dr. B.C. Gupta, Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University Dr. G.S. Gosal, and Vice-Chancellor of Gadvasu J.P.S. Gill, Sharma praised Dr. Khush for his unparalleled services in global food security.
He emphasized that Dr. Khush has developed over 300 varieties of rice for global cultivation during a time of rapid population growth.Known as the ‘Father of the Rice Revolution’, Dr. Khush graduated from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana in 1955 before moving to the US.
Chairman Sharma also informed that Dr. Khush had generously donated Rs. 3.5 crore to PAU to support advanced research studies and faculty development. His foundation also provides scholarships to outstanding students of agriculture. He said that Dr. Khush was also awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India for his outstanding work in the field of food security.
During the event, Sharma spoke about the government's initiatives to promote 'nutrition security' and stressed the importance of meeting this need in the current context. Dr. Khush also addressed the gathering, saying that now is the time for a nutritious food revolution.
PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. G.S. Gosal and GADVASU Vice-Chancellor J.P.S. Gill also addressed the event. In addition, Dr. B.C. Gupta, who played a key role in the formulation and implementation of the National Food Security Act, shared his insights.
Other members of the Commission, including Vijay Dutt, Chetan Prakash Dhaliwal, Preeti Chawla, as well as senior faculty members from PAU and other institutions were also present on the occasion.