M.S. Swaminathan Foundation to Get Dr. YSR Award 2026 for Agriculture, Food Security
The Dr. YSR & Dr. KVP Foundation has announced that the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Award-2026 will be conferred on the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) for its contributions to agriculture, food security, sustainable development and rural livelihoods. The award, which carries a cash prize of ₹25 lakh, will be presented at a ceremony at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi on September 2, 2026.
MSSRF chairperson Soumya Swaminathan will receive the award on behalf of the organisation, according to a press release issued by the foundation. The award honours the memory of Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, former chief minister of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, who was known for his focus on the welfare of farmers and the underprivileged.
The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation carries forward the legacy of its founder, the late Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, whose scientific leadership was instrumental in India's Green Revolution. His work helped the country transition from food scarcity to self-sufficiency in food grains. The foundation, established in 1988, has been active in research and grassroots initiatives aimed at sustainable agriculture and improving the lives of rural communities.
The Dr. YSR & Dr. KVP Foundation had presented its inaugural award in 2025 to Subhash Palekar Krushi (SPK), recognising the pioneering work of Subhash Palekar in sustainable and natural farming. At the same event, the foundation also felicitated the Sree Padmavathi Venkateswara Foundation for its work in natural farming and research. Dr. Chadalavada Sudha and Dr. Chadalavada Nageswara Rao received that felicitation on behalf of the organisation.
In 2026, the foundation established a scholarship corpus of ₹21 lakh with Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), Hyderabad. The corpus is intended to support and recognise the university's best-performing student every year. The foundation has also extended assistance to individuals and supported various social causes as part of its public welfare initiatives.
The foundation's trustees include former Rajya Sabha member K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao, Telangana State Planning Board vice-chairman G. Chinna Reddy, and Congress Working Committee member N. Raghuveera Reddy. The award ceremony is expected to be attended by dignitaries, policymakers and representatives from the agricultural research community.
The recognition of MSSRF underscores the continued relevance of Swaminathan's vision in addressing contemporary challenges such as climate resilience, nutritional security and sustainable farming practices. Soumya Swaminathan, a paediatrician and former chief scientist of the World Health Organization, has been leading the foundation in its efforts to translate scientific research into practical solutions for farmers.
The Dr. YSR Award is seen as a tribute to the former chief minister's commitment to inclusive development. His policies, including free electricity for farmers and welfare schemes for the poor, remain a reference point in the region's political discourse. The foundation's choice of MSSRF for this year's award highlights the intersection of science, policy and community action in shaping India's agricultural future.
This development comes at a time when discussions on food security and sustainable agriculture are gaining urgency globally. The award is expected to draw attention to the work being done by institutions like MSSRF in building resilience among smallholder farmers. Further details about the ceremony and the award's selection process are awaited.
