Srinagar, Oct 21 (KNS): Dr Zahoor Ahmad Dar, a professor at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), has been selected for the Dr S K Vasal Award for Excellence in Maize Research in recognition of his contributions to crop improvement and agricultural research.

Dr Dar, who is posted at the Dryland Agriculture Research Station (DARS), Rangreth, will receive the award during the first International Maize Conference-2026, scheduled to be held in Hyderabad from November 2 to 4.

According to details, Dr Dar has contributed to the development of 38 maize varieties currently cultivated across more than 80,000 hectares in different parts of India.

His research has focused on improving maize productivity, developing climate-resilient varieties and enhancing nutritional quality to address challenges faced by farmers under changing climatic conditions.

Dr Dar has published more than 300 research papers in national and international journals and contributed to several externally funded research projects.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He has also been associated with maize germplasm registration through the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) and has mentored research programmes under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Maize across several states.

Besides his research contributions, he has served on the editorial boards of 12 scientific journals.

Reacting to his selection, Dr Dar expressed gratitude to the Almighty, his family and the SKUAST-K administration, particularly the Vice-Chancellor, for their support.

He also acknowledged the contributions of his colleagues, students, friends and researchers associated with the AICRP on Maize.

The award recognises his work in developing improved maize varieties suited to diverse agricultural conditions, including efforts to strengthen food and nutritional security through scientific crop improvement. (KNS)