At the 8th Asian PGPR Society International Conference themed "A Bio-Revolution Using Beneficial Microbes for Healthier Soils, Crops, and Planet," held from September 25-27, 2024, at the World Vegetable Center in Shanhua, Tainan, Taiwan, Prof. M. S. Reddy was recognized with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement in Global Agriculture Award.
Prof. Reddy, Founder and Chairman of the Asian PGPR Society for Sustainable Agriculture and a faculty member at Auburn University, USA, received the honor for his pivotal contributions to sustainable agriculture. His work has predominantly focused on promoting research related to Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and organizing international conferences that foster the adoption of bio-agricultural technologies worldwide.
Prof. Reddy's career, spanning over two decades as a Professor in the Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology at Auburn University, showcases a lifetime of dedication to the advancement of agricultural practices. His work emphasizes sustainable and eco-friendly methods that contribute to a "secondary green revolution" through the global dissemination of PGPR innovations. These efforts are aimed at enhancing soil health and plant vitality by utilizing beneficial microbes, which is increasingly relevant in addressing global agricultural challenges.
The Asian PGPR Society for Sustainable Agriculture, founded in 2009 as a nonprofit entity, provides a platform for professionals from diverse agricultural fields, including scientists, academicians, government representatives, and industry experts, to collaborate and advance PGPR-related research, education, and commercialization. This society, which now boasts over 300 members across Asia and other regions, operates entirely through volunteer support. It serves as a forum for knowledge-sharing and professional growth among members, which include researchers, students, extension agents, and plant health experts from both government and private sectors.
Since its establishment, the Asian PGPR Society has organized numerous conferences that facilitate dialogue on pressing issues related to plant health and sustainable agriculture. The Society’s events play an instrumental role in fostering the exchange of knowledge and the promotion of bio-agricultural solutions that can lead to healthier soils, more resilient crops, and a sustainable planet. Prof. Reddy's award not only honors his individual contributions but also highlights the significant role of the Asian PGPR Society in steering global agriculture toward sustainability through innovation in microbial technology.
