Dr. Sain Dass

Dr. Sain Dass contributed immensely during last 40 years with his significant contributions in strengthening maize research and development in the country. He was pioneer in development and supply of finished maize germplasm in the form of inbred lines to various All India Coordinated Maize Improvement Projects (AICRP) Centres located in different State Agricultural Universities. The initiative has accelerated the hybrid development programme in the country and also saved 8-10 years and significant resources of AICRP centres. As Director, maize, he has implemented the concept of inter-institutional hybrid development in true-spirit, which has led to release of large number of single cross hybrids in the country by both ICAR and AICRP centres located across the country.

       As Director, Maize his mission mode initiatives on development of single cross maize hybrids in the country and promotion commercial cultivation of single cross maize hybrids has transformed India into net exporter of maize. As a result, the area, production and productivity of maize has increasing continuously. His advocacy on diversifying the hybrid maize seed production hubs in the country has led to identification of alternate hybrid maize seed production sites in the country namely pockets of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajastha, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. Presently, substantial hybrid maize seed production has been taking-up in these states. The promotion of single cross hybrid seed cultivation and diversification of alternate seed production has strengthened Indian seed industry. As a result, India is exporting substantial quantity of hybrid maize seed to different parts of world like southeast Asia and Africa. The development of large number of single cross hybrids has opened-up avenues for commercialization through small and medium indigenous seed companies to make an impact on farmers’ field and made hybrid seed production economical due to local production and supply. The initiative also earned revenue to several host-institutes which are involved in maize research and development. He has several achievements to his credit. He has developed more than 500 inbred lines of maize, out of which he has supplied around 300 elite inbred lines to various AICRP centres to strengthen the breeding programme of AICRP system. Further, he has identified several source inbred lines for different traits and registered highest number of maize germplasm at NBPGR to date. He has developed more than 35 single cross hybrids of maize and bajra during his 30-year research career. Some of the hybrids of maize and bajra are under cultivation even today benefitting large number of farmers in the country.

      He has travelled to more than ten counties as expert to promote maize and develop human resources. He has published more than 100 research papers in international and national journals. He has several recognition to his credit, the notable one are the Best Teacher/Plant Breeder Award by Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, Best Maize Scientist Award by Indian Maize Development Association, Life Time Achievement Award by Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar, Haryana, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and Government of West Bangal and also Recognition Award by Government of Madhya Pradesh.