Garhwal Post Bureau
Pantnagar. 12 Jun: Dr Prem Lal Gautam, a renowned agricultural scientist, educationist, and institution builder, has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri Award by the Government of India for his outstanding contributions to agricultural science, biodiversity conservation, and farmers’ rights. He is currently the Chancellor of Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University.
Dr Gautam served as Vice Chancellor of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, from 18 June 2002 to 11 October 2007. Under his leadership, the university achieved significant achievements in education, research, and extension activities. During his tenure in 2006, Pantnagar University received the prestigious “Sardar Patel Outstanding Agricultural Institution Award” from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The University received this honour for the second time, a testament to the institution’s academic and research excellence. He is an internationally renowned scientist in the field of wheat breeding and has also served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding at the University and as Joint Director of Research at the Ranichauri Hill Campus. Dr Gautam played a leading role in crop improvement, biodiversity conservation, and strengthening farmers’ rights. He contributed to the development of several improved varieties of wheat, and played a key role in establishing the plant germplasm registration system in India. He also served as Deputy Director General (Crop Sciences) at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. He also held important positions as Chairman of the National Biodiversity Authority, GoI and Chairman of the Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Protection Authority, GoI.
Being honoured with the Padma Shri is not only a personal achievement for Dr Gautam, but also a matter of pride for Pantnagar University and the entire agricultural scientific community. The university family expressed happiness over this achievement, stating that Dr Gautam’s life and work are an inspiring example of dedication to agricultural research, innovation, and the welfare of farmers.
