Swati Nayak: Bridging the Gap Between Agricultural Science and Farmers

Swati Nayak, recipient of the Norman E Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application, is dedicated to closing the technology gap in agriculture and helping farmers apply scientific knowledge effectively. Currently serving as the South Asia head for Seed System and Product Management at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Nayak focuses on technology scaling.

India boasts around 1,500 rice varieties, but only about 350-400 of these are used by seed producers. Of those, merely 50 are in high demand, while the rest remain unutilized. Swati Nayak is determined to change this.

Despite her background in agriculture with a Bachelor of Science from Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Nayak chose an application-based career instead of pursuing higher degrees. Her work at IRRI centers on bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and practical application among farmers.

Nayak emphasizes the need for early-generation seeds to be available in sufficient quantities and on time for faster multiplication. She believes that integrating breeders and government farm extension services is crucial for achieving this goal.

Nayak’s contributions include successfully disseminating over 20 climate-resilient and bio-fortified rice varieties, such as ‘Sahbhagi Dhan’ (drought-tolerant) and ‘BINA Dhan-11’ (flood-tolerant). Her strategies, like setting up demonstration plots and involving women farmers in seed production, have led to the widespread adoption of these varieties in Odisha and Assam.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Indian Express