barublogProfessor Daljit Singh Virk Honored with the Queen’s OBE
Professor Daljit Singh Virk has been awarded the esteemed Queen’s Honour of OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for his exceptional contributions to poverty reduction through agricultural advancements and his role in education in Derby. This honor, one of the highest civilian recognitions in the UK, is equivalent to India’s Padma Bhushan.
A Renowned Scientist in Biometrical Genetics & Plant Breeding
Dr. Virk, a distinguished scholar with a PhD and DSc from Birmingham University, is an internationally recognized biometrical geneticist and plant breeder. He was a Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 Research Fellow at Birmingham University before serving as a professor at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India.
Significant Contributions to Global Agricultural Development
In 1995, he joined Bangor University, UK, where he served as the International Coordinator for DFID Plant Science Projects. His collaborations extended to several universities in India and Africa, as well as esteemed research institutes like IRRI and CIMMYT. His pioneering research focused on enhancing plant breeding efficiency and developing resilient crop varieties, including pearl millet, rice, maize, and wheat.
Impactful Innovations in Crop Development
Through client-oriented breeding and marker-assisted selection, Prof. Virk revolutionized seed development for smallholders in Asia and Africa. His team’s upland rice varieties, Ashoka 200F and Ashoka 228, significantly improved food security and livelihoods for millions of rainfed and tribal farmers in India.
A Prolific Researcher with Global Recognition
Prof. Virk’s contributions to biometrical genetics and plant breeding are widely acclaimed. With over 350 research papers and books published, he is a fellow of prestigious scientific academies, including the Indian National Science Academy, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and the Royal Society of Biology.
Contributions to Education & Community Development
Beyond his scientific achievements, Prof. Virk has played a vital role in social welfare. He was instrumental in establishing the UK government-funded Sikh faith free school, Akaal Primary School, in Derby, UK.
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