Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs
Brazilian microbiologist Mariangela Hungria has been honored with the 2025 World Food Prize for her groundbreaking contributions in enhancing crop productivity and nutrition. Her innovative research focuses on minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers by developing biological treatments for seeds and soil.
About the World Food Prize
The World Food Prize is a prestigious international award that celebrates individuals who have made significant advancements in improving global food quality, quantity, or accessibility. Often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture,” it honors achievements across various sectors related to the global food system—including agricultural science, technology, nutrition, economics, policy, and social sciences.
Established in 1986 by Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970, the award is currently managed by the World Food Prize Foundation with the support of multiple sponsors. The recipient is awarded $500,000 during a formal ceremony held in mid-October around World Food Day, in Des Moines, Iowa, as part of the Borlaug Dialogue international symposium.
Indian agronomist M.S. Swaminathan was the inaugural laureate in 1987, recognized for introducing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice to India in the 1960s.
World Food Prize 2025 Winner
In 2025, Mariangela Hungria received the prize for her extensive work on promoting the use of beneficial soil microbes to enhance nutrient uptake in crops. Her methods not only increase agricultural yields but also significantly reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers.