New Delhi, June 9, 2025
The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) celebrated its Foundation Day in New Delhi today, honoring prominent figures across agriculture, industry, and media for their exceptional contributions. Among those recognized for their impactful work were two distinguished journalists, Harvir Singh, Editor-in-Chief of a leading agriculture magazine, and Prabhudatt Mishra, Deputy Editor of a national English daily, both lauded for their significant contributions to agricultural journalism.
Harvir Singh, with his decades of experience and previous roles at major media houses, has been a pivotal voice in bringing crucial rural and agricultural issues into the national spotlight. His dedicated reporting has earned him considerable acclaim from prestigious organizations like the FAO and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Similarly, Prabhudatt Mishra, a seasoned journalist with nearly 30 years in the field, is highly regarded for his insightful and in-depth reporting on complex agricultural trade and policy matters.
Dr. W.S. Lakra, Secretary of NAAS, commended both journalists for their unwavering commitment to covering the agriculture sector, acknowledging their sustained efforts in informing and shaping public discourse around critical farming issues. The event, marking 35 years since the establishment of NAAS, also featured a compelling keynote lecture by Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, who delivered an address on the pertinent theme of “One Health: Guiding Our Future,” emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
This recognition by NAAS underscores the vital role of agricultural journalism in bridging the gap between research, policy, and the farming community, ensuring that the challenges and triumphs of India’s agricultural backbone receive the attention they deserve.