The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Calicut, a prestigious institute under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has been presented with the prestigious Sardar Patel Outstanding ICAR Institution Award for the year 2009.
IISR Director Dr. V. A. Parthasarathy received the award from Sharad Pawar, Union Minister for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution during the ICAR Foundation Day and Award Ceremony held at NASC Complex, New Delhi on Friday.
The Sardar Patel award is given annually to two ICAR Institutes and one State Agricultural University (SAU) for the best performance in agricultural research, extension and education. This year IISR is sharing the award with CARI, Port Blair.
“The award is in recognition to our contribution in five major areas like conservation of largest germplasm and microbial collection in the world, good agricultural practices, application of GIS in spice biodiversity, introduction of office automation software and excellent transfer of technologies,” said Dr. Parthasarathy after receiving the award.
“Our next priority would be contributing towards carbon credit through reducing usage of paper for office use, recycling of organic wastes, integrated farming etc.,” he added.
This is the second time IISR is being adjudged as the best ICAR institution. The Institute has bagged this coveted award in the year 1999 instituted by the Council in the name of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The award includes a cash prize and a citation.
Prof. K. V. Thomas, Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr. M. S. Swaminathan, Member of Parliament, Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary DARE and DG, ICAR and other senior ICAR officials were also present.
