Agro scientist ‘Rice Mahadevappa’ passes away

Eminent agriculture scientist and plant breeder M Mahadevappa (84), popularly known as ‘Rice Mahadevappa’, died of age-related ailments in Mysuru on Saturday.

Mahadevappa leaves behind his wife, a son and a daughter. The final rites of the departed soul will be held at his native village Madapura, Chamarajanagar district, on Sunday noon.

Suttur mutt seer Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami, junior seer Sri Jayarajendra Swami and Siddeshwara Swami of Jnana Yogashrama paid the last respects.

Mahadevappa is a recipient of several awards, including Padma Bhushan in 2013, Padma Shri in 2005, Rajyotsava Award in 1984 and Bharat Ratna Sir M Visveswaraya Memorial Award in 1999.

He served as vice-chancellor of University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, for two terms and as chairman of Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, under Indian Council of Agricultural Research. He also served as director of JSS Rural Development Foundation, Mysuru. Mahadevappa’s contributions to agriculture, through innovations, are significant. He developed nine varieties of high yielding paddy. Besides, he made efforts to eradicate Parthenium, a weed, through Integrated Parthenium Weed Management, a scientific and efficient weed management technique.