M._Mahadevappa
M. Mahadevappa
Indian geneticist (1937–2021)
Madappa Mahadevappa (4 August 1937 – 6 March 2021), popularly known as Rice Mahadevappa was an Indian agricultural scientist and plant breeder, renowned for developing high yielding hybrid varieties of rice.[1] He served for more than 55 years and had a glowing career. He served as the Vice-chancellor of University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad for two terms (1994 - 2000) and his selfless hard work along with broad vision lead to the award of ICAR's SARDAR PATEL OUTSTANDING INSTITUTION award in the year 2000 to UAS, Dharwad. He served as chairman of Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (2002 - 2003) under Indian Council of Agricultural Research of which he was a member of governing council. As chairman of ASRB, he introduced radical changes to create transparency in recruitment and expedited the process of promotions. This enhanced the talent pool at ICAR system to further contribute to the cause of the agriculture and farming community.[2][3] He was the recipient of Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour, Padma Shri and various other accolades.[4]