The Chairman of the Punjab State Food Commission, Bal Mukand Sharma, honoured the renowned World Food Prize Laureate, Dr. Gurdeep Singh Khush, also known as the “World Rice Man," for his significant contributions to food security.
Accompanied by former Principal Secretary to the Government of India, Dr. B.C. Gupta, PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. G.S. Gosal, and GADVASU Vice-Chancellor J.P.S. Gill, Sharma praised Dr. Khush for his exceptional work in global food security. He highlighted that Dr. Khush has developed over 300 varieties of rice for worldwide cultivation during a time of rapid population growth.
Dr. Khush, recognized as the "Father of the Rice Revolution," graduated from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, in 1955 before moving to the USA.Sharma also mentioned that Dr. Khush had generously donated ₹3.5 crores to PAU to support advanced research studies and faculty development. His foundation additionally provides scholarships to outstanding agriculture students.
He noted 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 "Nutritional Security" and emphasized the importance of addressing this need in the current context. Dr. Khush also addressed the gathering, stating that it is now time for a Nutritional Food Revolution.
PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. G.S. Gosal and GADVASU Vice-Chancellor J.P.S. Gill also spoke at the event. Furthermore, Dr. B.C. Gupta, who played a pivotal role in formulating and implementing the National Food Security Act, shared his insights.Other commission members, including Vijay Dutt, Chetan Parkash Dhaliwal, Preety Chawla, as well as senior faculty members from PAU and other institutions, were also present at the occasion.