Gaynese agri-researcher, Dr. Mahendra Persaud, has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Anthony N. Sabga Award, Caribbean Excellence for Science & Technology.
AS announced on Wednesday in Port of Spain by Awards’ Program Director Maria Neilson, Dr. Persaud and two other 2023 Laureates (women’s health doctor, Dr.)
He is a respected academic who has published widely in his field.
“As Chief Scientist at the Rice Research Station at Burma, Persaud has developed high-yielding, disease resistant strains of rice that emerge well under flooded conditions. Under his leadership, Guyana’s rice yields are said to have risen from a national average of four tonnes per hectare to six tonnes per hectare – second only to top global rice producer, China,” a press release stated.
In 2016, he received Guyana’s fourth highest national award, the Golden Arrow of Achievement, “for outstanding research as a scientist in the rice industry, resulting in high-yielding varieties with consequential increased rice production.”
He and his team are currently beginning research into the cultivation of wheat in Guyana, which could result in major benefits for regional food security.
Great job Doc.