RSP
Agricultural Scientist

Rajendra Singh Paroda

Born 1 January 1942 · Punjab

Led the Indian Council of Agricultural Research as Director General, advancing India's agricultural research infrastructure.

Rajendra Singh Paroda is an Indian agricultural scientist. He was the former Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Government of India. He was the general president of the Indian Science Congress Association during 2000-2001 and the president of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) from 1998 to 2000. He was elected as the first chairman of the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR), FAO, Rome from 1998 to 2001.

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A detail that
surprised us

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The genebank in Pattancheru, India, managed by Paroda, is named after him, reflecting his pivotal role in global plant genetic resource conservation.

The Story

1
🌾 In 1985, Rajendra Singh Paroda took the helm as Director of India's National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, where he established one of the world's most modern genebanks in Pattancheru, crucial for preserving India's agricultural biodiversity.
2
🚀 Between 1992 and 2001, as Director General of ICAR and Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, he spearheaded the creation of over 30 new research institutes, doubling India’s food grain production from 130 million tons to 260 million tons.
3🌍 From 1998 to 2001, Paroda became the first chairman of the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR) based in Rome, linking international research efforts to tackle food security in developing countries.
4In 1996, he organized the second International Crop Science Congress in New Delhi, bringing together global experts to discuss crop improvement at a time when India's agriculture was undergoing rapid transformation.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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Paroda was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1998, a high civilian honor in India, recognizing his work while he was actively leading ICAR and DARE reforms.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Born in Ajmer, Rajasthan
Rajendra Singh Paroda was born in Saradhana Ajmer, Rajasthan, India, marking the start of a life that would transform agricultural science.
1942
📚
Education
Earned PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding
Completed PhD from Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, specializing in genetics and plant breeding.
1968
⚡
Career
Directed National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources
Established a leading modern genebank at Pattancheru, setting new standards for plant genetic conservation.
1985
⚡
Career
Became ICAR Director General and DARE Secretary
Modernized agricultural research by founding over 30 research institutes, doubling food grain production by 2011.
1992
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Received one of India’s highest civilian awards for contributions to agricultural science and policy.
1998
⚡
Career
Chaired Global Forum on Agricultural Research
Led GFAR from 1998 to 2001, integrating global agricultural research efforts under FAO auspices in Rome.
1998
⚡
Career
Presided Indian Science Congress
Led the Indian Science Congress held at IARI, inaugurated by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
2001
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Career
Organized Global Conference on Women in Agriculture
Hosted the first global event focusing on women in agriculture in New Delhi with President Pratibha Patil attending.
2012
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 06
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He received the Norman Borlaug Award in 2006 from President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, linking him to the legacy of the 'father of the Green Revolution.'

02 / 06
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Paroda earned honorary Doctor of Science degrees from at least 15 institutions worldwide, including Ohio State University and multiple Indian agricultural universities.

03 / 06
🔍LESSER KNOWN

As Executive Secretary of APAARI, Paroda organized more than twenty expert consultations focused on region-specific agricultural challenges, influencing policymaking in Asia-Pacific.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Dr. Paroda on Future Agriculture
·YouTube
More from this archive
Dr. Paroda on Future Agriculture
01
Dr. Paroda on Future Agriculture
YouTube
Presentation by Dr. R.S. Paroda, Chairman, TAAS
02
Presentation by Dr. R.S. Paroda, Chairman, TAAS
YouTube
Former Secretary DARE & DG ICAR : PADAM BHUSHAN Dr. R.S PARODA @taasiari
03
Former Secretary DARE & DG ICAR : PADAM BHUSHAN Dr. R.S PARODA @taasiari
YouTube
4th Convocation Address of AU, Kota by Dr R S Paroda
04
4th Convocation Address of AU, Kota by Dr R S Paroda
YouTube
S.V Agricultural College, Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, ANGRAU
05
S.V Agricultural College, Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, ANGRAU
YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Rajendra Singh Paroda transformed India's agricultural research infrastructure by creating numerous specialized institutes and modernizing genebanks, which directly contributed to doubling the nation's food grain output in two decades. His leadership in international bodies like GFAR and APAARI fostered unprecedented collaboration in agricultural research across Asia and developing countries, influencing policies and practices worldwide.

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