Kashmiri Scientist Dr. Roaf Ahmad Parray Conferred Best Young Scientist Award by India’s Premier Agricultural Institution

Anantnag, April 6: In a moment of immense pride for Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Roaf Ahmad Parray, an Agricultural Engineer from the village of Ugjan in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, has been honoured with the prestigious Best Young Scientist Award by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi — the country’s topmost agricultural research body.

The award was presented during the 120th Foundation Day celebration of IARI, in the presence of eminent dignitaries including Dr. Ramesh Chand, Member of NITI Aayog, and Dr. D. K. Yadav, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR. Dr. Roaf was recognized for his groundbreaking research in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Robotics-driven Smart Farming — innovations that are transforming Indian agriculture by introducing precision, sustainability, and efficiency into farming practices.

A proud alumnus of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Dr. Roaf began his academic journey with a B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering in 2010. Coming from humble beginnings, with early education at Public Model School Dialgam and various government schools in the region, his rise to national recognition is a story of grit, perseverance, and academic brilliance.

In 2023, Dr. Roaf was also named India’s Best Young Scientist by Agriculture Today Group for his pioneering work in precision agriculture. He is widely respected not only for his research but also as a mentor — having guided numerous students who have secured top fellowships at leading U.S. universities.

Significantly, he is the youngest member of a national committee formed by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), Government of India, tasked with drafting the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for drone usage in Indian agriculture — SOPs that are now being followed across the country.

IARI, known as the cradle of India’s Green Revolution, has produced stalwarts like Dr. M.S. Swaminathan and several Padma Shri and World Food Prize awardees, making this recognition especially noteworthy.

Dr. Roaf Ahmad Parray’s award is not just a personal milestone but a proud moment for Kashmir, showcasing the Valley’s rich scientific talent and potential on the national stage. His journey continues to inspire a new generation of young scientists across the country.