Mosaic India and SM Sehgal Foundation organised The Mosaic Company Foundation annual awards ceremony that honours outstanding research in plant nutrition in Gurugram recently. Mosaic and Sehgal Foundation are long-term partners and have been working together on a project ‘Krishi Jyoti’ (farm enlightenment) in districts Nuh, Haryana and Alwar, Rajasthan since 2008 to enhance farm productivity and to empower farmers.
Mosaic Company Foundation Annual Awards recognises individuals who demonstrate exceptional ability and originality of thought for contributions to the field of plant nutrition. In its fifth year now, The Mosaic Company Foundation honoured agricultural scientists in categories Best Doctoral Research and Young Scientist Award. Additionally, the Young Scientist Award builds linkages within the scientific community associated with the promotion of balanced use of plant nutrients. The awards recognises thought leaders in the Indian scientific community who champion the use of potash, sulfur and zinc in promoting balanced crop nutrition.
Dr. Sumanta Kundu, Scientist, ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), Hyderabad won the 2018-19 honours for Best Doctoral Research award. In addition, Dr. CM Parihar, Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) and Dr. Sanjib Kumar Behera, Indian institute of Soil Sciences were adjudged winners for the Young Scientist Awards. Honorees received a certificate, gold medal and blazer with a monetary award.
The chief guest for The Mosaic Company Foundation Award Ceremony was Dr. Ashok Dalwai, Chief Executive Officer, National Rainfed Area Authority, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Key note address was given by Benjamin Pratt, Vice President, Corporate Public Affairs, The Mosaic Company & Dr. JC Katyal, Former Vice Chancellor, HAU, Hisar.
Noted agricultural scientists from Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Indian Institute of Soil Science, National Research Centres, State Agricultural Universities, Fertilizer Association of India, International Zinc Association, IPNI, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), state and central government officials and industry representatives attended the award ceremony. From Sehgal Foundation, COO, Anjali Makhija gave the welcome address and other staff members including directors and project leaders were present.
The Mosaic Company is one of the world’s leading producers and marketers of concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients. Driven by its mission to help the world grow the food, Mosaic works on sustainably and strengthening global food security and protecting critical water resources. The Mosaic Company and The Mosaic Company Foundation invest in and partner with leaders in the focus areas of food, water and local community investments.
On the other hand, SM Sehgal Foundation is a public charitable trust, strengthens community-led development initiatives to achieve positive social, economic, and environmental change across rural India.