D. Swati Nayak, a scientist of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), received prestigious ‘Borlaug Field Award 2023’ from the jury of the World Food Prize, of the Rockefeller Foundation, for her outstanding contributions to the field of agriculture.
Scientist D. Swati Nayak is well known for steering the field trials and adoption of resilient and nutritious rice varieties. The ‘Borlaug Field Award’, named after agricultural scientist and Nobel laureate D. Norman Borlaug, is presented annually to individuals under the age of 40 for exceptional contributions to scientific work that significantly enhance global food production and combat hunger and malnutrition.
D. Nayak’s illustrious career, spanning more than 13 years, has been marked by remarkable achievements, unwavering dedication, and a profound commitment to bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and practical applications. In addition to her role as the South Asia Lead for Seed Systems at IRRI, D. Nayak has also served as the lead for the cereal seed system group under the CGIAR initiative SeedEqual.
D. Nayak has been working with Bangladesh Stakeholders throughout her decade long career in IRRI. She is regarded as a devoted, passionate agricultural researcher and a change maker. D. Nayak’s work as a scientist for seed systems in Bangladesh, has significantly impacted agricultural and food production. Her innovative extension strategies and intensive stakeholder engagement has made incredible contributions benefiting millions of smallholder and women farmers in Bangladesh. She has experience of grounding a thousand of On-farm varietal testing, hosting more than 20 participatory varietal evaluation platforms, supporting multiple women-led alternate seed enterprise incubation in the country. She has fostered various critical partnerships with various NARES in Bangladesh.
D. Nayak is also a key contributor to the international seed policy agreement, “Seeds Without Borders,” which expedites the distribution of modern rice varieties across South and Southeast Asia. Her work has transcended national boundaries, facilitating the transfer of research innovations to farmers across the region.
In her advocacy for gender inclusion in agricultural research, D. Nayak actively engages women in participatory research. Her efforts have resulted in the establishment of numerous women-led seed enterprises, leading to increased productivity, income, decision-making authority, and overall empowerment for women in the field of agriculture.
The Bangladesh Ministry of Agriculture Secretary Wahida Akter said in her nomination letter for D. Swati Nayak, “Her role in releasing and expanding a number of promising novel rice varieties, developed in Bangladesh and introduced to India is highly regarded as this has effectively crossed geographic boundaries – research innovations reaching the hands of farmers, regardless of their nationality at a faster scale.”
Nayak has always advocated for gender inclusion in agriculture research, actively engaging women in participatory research. Her initiatives have led to the establishment of numerous women-led seed enterprises, benefiting not only in productivity but also income, decision-making authority, and overall empowerment of women.
The selection jury for the Borlaug Field Prize was deeply impressed by D. Nayak’s unwavering commitment to tackling the urgent challenges our planet faces. They recognized her remarkable achievements, which have extended well beyond the confines of the laboratory and have had a significant impact in the field.
Expressing her profound gratitude for receiving this prestigious award, D. Nayak stated, “I am profoundly thankful to the World Food Prize Foundation for this honor, which reflects our shared commitment to building a resilient food system and a better world for all. I dedicate this award to the thousands of agriculture extensionists and women professionals in particular, who are engaged as the change agents.”
D. Ajay Kohli, the Interim Director General of IRRI, spoke highly of D. Nayak’s outstanding contributions, stating, “D. Nayak has made a notable and measurable difference in promoting sustainable rural livelihoods, agricultural extension, and food security”
The award was officially announced on September 19, 2023, during an event hosted by CGIAR as part of New York City Climate Week. D. Swati Nayak is scheduled to formally receive the award at the Borlaug Dialogue, set to take place on October 24, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa.
