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Barwale, Mahyco chairman & father of Indian seed industry, passes away
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Thursday, 27 July, 2017, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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Badrinarayan Barwale, founder and chairman, Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Private Limited (Mahyco), passed away following a cardiac problem in Mumbai on Monday. A visionary, a prominent entrepreneur, a philanthropist and an educationist, he was regarded as the father of the Indian seed industry.
He dedicated his life to the cause of Indian farmers and brought in science-based solutions to farming challenges. Starting in the 1960S, he introduced hybrids in many crops for the first time in India, helping to improve crop productivity significantly.
Barwale, who came from humble beginnings, started his agricultural journey on his family’s lands in Maharashtra’s Jalna District in the 1960s, where he experimented with high-yielding okra seeds.
He also played a pivotal role in introducing India’s first and only biotech crop, Bt Cotton, which has revolutionised cotton production in the country.
This was the start of Mahyco, and with Barwale’s vision and hard work, it grew into one of the most innovative seed companies in India.
A recipient of the World Food Prize and the Padma Bhushan from the government of India, his work focused on improving the socio-economic lives of the farmers. He has been a recipient of numerous recognitions for his stellar contributions to Indian agriculture.
Besides this, Barwale’s work on rural education and rural healthcare through many institutions, particularly in the Marathwada region, is well known.
A Mahyco spokesperson said, “He was an inspiration to all those who are dedicated to agriculture, and the best way we can honour his life is by continuing to take his legacy forward in form of providing innovative solutions to our farmers.”
Barwale believed that only through application of science and innovation in agriculture, we can enhance productivity and improve the lives and incomes of farmers.
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