Sanjaya Rajaram

Dr. Sanjaya Rajaram (1943 – 17 February 2021) was an Indian-born Mexican scientist and winner of the 2014 World Food Prize. He was awarded this prize for his scientific research in developing 480 wheat varieties that have been released in 51 countries. This innovation has led to an increase in world wheat production – by more than 200 million tons – building upon the successes of the Green Revolution. and Padma Bhushan.

Rajaram went on to earn a B.Sc. in agriculture from the University of Gorakhpur, a M.Sc. in genetics and plant breeding from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi and a Ph.D. in plant breeding from the University of Sydney. While at the IARI in 1964, he studied genetics and plant breeding under Prof. M.S. Swaminathan.

After 33 years at CIMMYT, including seven as Director of the Global Wheat Program, Rajaram joined the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) as Director of Integrated Gene Management before formally retiring in 2008. During his distinguished career, Rajaram's work resulted in the release of more than 480 varieties of bread wheat in 51 countries, which are grown on more than 58 million hectares worldwide. was also the owner and director of Resource Seed Mexicana, a small private company specializing in wheat development and promotion.

Rajaram died from COVID-19 on 17 February 2021, in Ciudad Obregon, Mexico.

Awards and recognition In 2022, Sanjay Rajaram received Padma Bhushan from Government of India; the award is the third-highest award that a civilian can receive.

Authored works

10 refs. CABD 20001009163.

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