CMFRI Scientist Bags Norman Borlaug National Award by ICAR for Seaweed Research

The Principal Scientist of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Dr. Kajal Chakraborty, bagged the esteemed ‘Norman Borlaug National Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research’ by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at the 93^rd ICAR Foundation Day.

He was awarded for his research efforts towards the development and marketing of a series of nutraceutical products made from chosen seaweed to treat diseases like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis pain, hypothyroidism, and dyslipidemia. The line of research also include anti-osteoporotic and immunity boosting nutraceuticals, which received widespread attention during the Covid-10 pandemic.

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar presented the award through a virtual ceremony. Three other scientists from CMFRI were also awarded during the ceremony.

During the award ceremony, Tomar said that relevant research programmes will help to strengthen agriculture and its strong foundation. This would further aid in achieving targets of India’s rural development.

Kisan Saarthi, an ITC-based digital platform for connecting local farmers directly to KVK scientists was also launched on this occasion.

About Norman Borlaug National Award

The Norman Borlaug National Award is given every five years to scientists who carry out exceptional research and development in the field of agriculture and allied fields. The award carries prize money of Rs. 10 lakh in cash, plus a research grant of Rs. 1.5 crore to the awarded scientist for carrying out their research project for the next five years.

About CMFRI

Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute was set up on February 3, 1947, by the Government of India, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. In 1967, the institute collaborated with ICAR and, today, it is one of the leading tropical marine fisheries research institutes in the world.

Headquarters of CMFRI is in Kochi, Kerala.