SRINAGAR: Dr Zahoor Ahmad Dar, Professor at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), has been selected for the Dr SK Vasal Award for Excellence in Maize Research in recognition of his contributions to crop improvement, climate resilience and nutritional enhancement.
Based at SKUAST-K’s Dryland Agriculture Research Station (DARS), Rangreth, Dr Dar has developed 38 maize varieties for cultivation across different parts of the country. These varieties are currently grown over more than 80,000 hectares, reflecting the geographical reach and agricultural impact of his research.
He will receive the award at the 1st International Maize Conference-2026, scheduled to be held in Hyderabad from November 2 to 4.
Dr Dar’s research focuses on developing high-yielding, climate-resilient and nutritionally enhanced maize varieties to address emerging agricultural challenges and strengthen food and nutritional security. His work spans crop improvement, stress tolerance and biofortification, with an emphasis on developing varieties suited to diverse agro-climatic conditions.
With more than 300 research papers published in national and international scientific journals, Dr Dar has also contributed to externally funded research projects and the registration of maize germplasm with the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR).
He has helped mentor maize research programmes under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) across several states. His contribution to scientific research also extends to academic publishing, having served on the editorial boards of 12 scientific journals.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Dr Dar thanked the Almighty, his family and the SKUAST-K administration, particularly the Vice-Chancellor. He also acknowledged the support of his colleagues, friends, students and the AICRP on Maize fraternity.
The award recognises Dr Dar’s contribution to maize research and highlights SKUAST-K’s role in developing crop varieties for diverse agricultural conditions. The cultivation of his varieties across more than 80,000 hectares also underscores the practical significance of research aimed at improving farm productivity and helping agriculture adapt to emerging environmental and nutritional challenges.
