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    Gurdev Khush

    Gurdev Khush

    Awards & Honours

    4

    Awards Won

    4

    Honours

    1

    Rankings

    1

    Records

    Gurdev Khush's trophy cabinet tells a story of quiet persistence. The 1996 World Food Prize, which he shared with Henry Beachell, is the highest recognition in agriculture, and his name is etched alongside other giants like Norman Borlaug. The 2023 VinFuture Prize, awarded by Vietnam, recognized his lifelong dedication to developing countries.Beyond these accolades, Khush's real honor is the countless farmers who call him a hero. His varieties have been grown on millions of hectares, and his papers are cited thousands of times. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society, a rarity for agricultural scientists, and has received honorary doctorates from several universities.His legacy is not just in awards but in the lives saved. The Green Revolution, which he helped lead, is estimated to have prevented famine for over a billion people.

    Gurdev Khush receiving an award

    Awards

    Honours & Distinctions

    Fellow of the Royal Society

    Royal Society·2019

    Elected for his contributions to agricultural science

    UC Davis Medal

    University of California, Davis·2018

    Highest honor from his alma mater

    Padma Shri

    Government of India·2001

    Fourth-highest civilian award in India

    Honorary Doctorate

    Punjab Agricultural University·1999

    Recognizing his contributions to rice research

    Rankings & Lists

    #1

    Heroes of the Green Revolution

    World Food Prize·1996

    Records & Feats

    Most widely planted rice variety (IR36)

    Agriculture·1980

    IR36 covered over 11 million hectares, the largest area for any rice variety.