Mosaic India and S M Sehgal Foundation Honor Pioneering Scientists in Plant Nutrition at 9th Annual Awards

On October 24, 2024, Mosaic India and the S M Sehgal Foundation celebrated The Mosaic Company Foundation's ninth annual awards, recognizing excellence in plant nutrition research. The awards, held in honor of remarkable contributions to balanced crop nutrition, spotlighted four exemplary scientists for their work in potash, sulfur, and zinc application.

The Outstanding Doctoral Research Award is presented by The Mosaic Company Foundation to individuals who demonstrate truly exceptional ability and originality of thought for contributions to the field of plant nutrition.

Young Scientist Award recognizes outstanding research, innovation, and outreach in the area of plant nutrition. Additionally, this Award builds linkages within the scientific community associated with the promotion of balanced use of plant nutrients.

The awards recognize thought leaders in the Indian scientific community who champion the use of potash, sulfur, and zinc in promoting balanced crop nutrition. This year’s four awardees include Dr. Gopal Ramdas Mahajan and Dr. Jayanta Layek-Young Scientist Award (Joint); Dr. Swayambhu Ghosh-Outstanding Doctoral Research Award and Dr. Mohsina Anjum-Outstanding Doctoral Research for Women. Honorees received a certificate, gold medal, and blazer with a monetary award.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Chairman, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), New Delhi, was the Chief Guest. Recognizing the annual awards initiative by The Mosaic Company Foundation, the chief guest congratulated The Mosaic Company Foundation for this novel initiative of promoting research in plant nutrition.

The keynote addresses were given by Benjamin Pratt, Vice President, Government & Public Affairs, The Mosaic Company; Dr. J. C. Katyal, Former Vice Chancellor, HAU, Hisar; and Floris Bielders, Vice President, Commercial, Biosciences Product Management, The Mosaic Company.

Robin Edwin, Managing Director, Mosaic India Pvt. Ltd. shared, “It is an honor for Mosaic to recognize agricultural scientists who have made exceptional contributions to the field of plant nutrition. I congratulate our eminent jury for leading this rigorous process of selecting the best doctoral research and young scientists. Mosaic is committed to sustainably strengthening global food security and protecting critical water resources.”

Introducing S M Sehgal Foundation at the event, Anjali Makhija, Trustee and CEO, spoke about ‘Krishi Jyoti’, the long-standing partnership of Mosaic and S M Sehgal Foundation, which is impacting lives of rural people across 274 villages across five states. She further shared that the awards are a testimony of the commitment both organizations have for agricultural development.

The ceremony was attended by the invited members from the scientific agricultural community such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Indian Institute of Soil Science, National Research Centres, State Agricultural Universities, Fertilizer Association of India, International Zinc Association, IPNI, CIMMYT; government officials and other national and international institute’s representatives.