Dr Manzoor Hussain Dar conferred with ‘2025 Top Agri-Food Pioneers’ award

Srinagar, Oct 24: Dr. Manzoor H. Dar, a distinguished agricultural scientist from the valley has been recognized among the 2025 Top Agri-Food Pioneers by World Food Prize Foundation on 23 October 2025 at Des Moines, Iowa (USA), said a statement. This prestigious honour celebrates his transformative leadership and impactful contributions to global food security. He stands among an elite cohort of only 39 global recipients and is one of just five scientists from CGIAR to be recognized this year, it said.

This accolade underscores Dr Dar's significant work in developing and strengthening seed systems. His efforts have been instrumental in ensuring millions of smallholder farmers gain access to high-quality, climate-resilient seeds, thereby directly improving livelihoods and boosting food production, said the press release.

The “Top Agri-Food Pioneers” Award recognises innovators demonstrating scientific excellence, significant field impact and leadership in sustainable agri-food transformation. Dr. Dar’s recognition indicates his global influence in advancing evidence-based agricultural solutions and brings pride to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and India’s agricultural research fraternity, it further added.