Renowned agricultural scientist Shri Ram Chet Chaudhary from Uttar Pradesh has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri for his outstanding contributions in the field of Science & Engineering, particularly in agricultural research and rural development.
Dr. Chaudhary is best known for reviving and popularizing the indigenous Kalanamak rice variety, often called the “Black Gold” of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Once nearing extinction, this aromatic rice has been brought back to prominence through his sustained scientific efforts. Under his leadership, new high-yield and disease-resistant varieties like Bauna Kalanamak 101, 102, and Kiran were developed and introduced across 11 districts in eastern Uttar Pradesh, expanding cultivation to over 80,000 hectares.
A former scientist at Pantnagar and a consultant to international organizations like the World Bank, FAO, and IRRI, Dr. Chaudhary also serves as the chairman of the Participatory Rural Development Foundation (PRDF). Through PRDF, he has trained thousands of farmers, encouraged organic farming, and promoted sustainable practices in agriculture.
In addition to his fieldwork, he is a prolific author with over 390 scientific publications and textbooks, significantly influencing agricultural education and policy. His work has not only boosted rural incomes but also preserved a vital part of India’s agricultural heritage by securing a GI tag for Kalanamak rice.
Expressing gratitude upon receiving the award, Dr. Chaudhary said, “This recognition is for every farmer who believed in the revival of Kalanamak. Science must serve people—and that has always been my mission.”
The Padma Shri awarded to Dr. Ram Chet Chaudhary celebrates the power of science in preserving tradition, improving livelihoods, and inspiring a new generation of agricultural innovators.
