Awards & Fellowships
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Celebrating Excellence in Indian Horticulture
CHAI's awards and fellowship program is one of the most comprehensive recognition systems in Indian horticulture. Since 2011, CHAI has honored hundreds of scientists, educators, innovators, farmers, and institutions for their extraordinary contributions to the advancement of horticulture and agriculture in India and beyond.
CHAI Portfolio of Honors & Awards
Sixteen prestigious categories honoring scientific breakthroughs, leadership, and grassroots innovation
CHAI Honoured Fellow
For distinguished personalities who have provided leadership of par excellence in Indian agriculture, with national and international peer recognition.
CHAI Lifetime Achievement Award
Recognizing outstanding scientific contributions and distinguished service in horticulture/agriculture research, education, and technology dissemination.
CHAI Lifetime Recognition Award
Honoring lifetime contributions to research, development, and extension of a specific commodity, resulting in unparalleled growth in that crop sector.
CHAI Honorary Fellow
For individuals demonstrating academic excellence, outstanding research contributions, and exceptional leadership with proven impact on the quality of life in India or internationally.
CHAI–Dr. R.S. Paroda Award for Excellence
Instituted in the name of Padma Bhushan Dr. R.S. Paroda; recognizes distinguished scientific contributions in agriculture, horticulture, biotechnology, and environmental sciences.
CHAI–Dr. B.H. Jain Award for Excellence
Instituted in the name of Padma Shri Dr. B.H. Jain; recognizes excellence in knowledge dissemination, teaching, and extension services that have advanced horticulture/agriculture.
CHAI–Ramnandan Babu Award for Innovation in Farming
Recognizes farmer innovators who have enhanced land and water productivity, delivering higher income per unit of land.
CHAI–Kautilya Lokniti Award
Inspired by the ancient Indian polymath Chanakya; recognizes excellence in philosophy, public policy, teaching, and strategic development.
CHAI–Prof. H.P. Singh Young Scientist Award of Excellence
Honoring Dr. H.P. Singh's legacy; recognizes outstanding young scientists (under 50) for impactful contributions to horticulture research, education, and extension.
CHAI–JISL Fellowship
Sponsored fellowship for young scientists, entrepreneurs, and knowledge providers to participate in international conferences and training programs abroad.
CHAI–Dr. Ray Best Dissertation Award
Awarded for the best Ph.D. thesis in horticulture/agriculture, evaluated on relevance, quality, and applicability of research.
CHAI–Kirti Singh Best Paper Award
Encourages publication of high-quality original research articles in IJIHL; evaluated from papers published in the preceding year.
CHAI Appreciation Award
Recognizes career-long contributions to technology-led development that have meaningfully improved the quality of life for communities.
Fellow of CHAI Award
Conferred upon members across Donor Patron, Corporate, Association, Institutional, and Individual categories.
CHAI Associate Fellow
Recognizes emerging research scholars and scientists for novel scientific contributions and outstanding potential.
CHAI Achiever's Award
For fellows who have risen to Vice Chancellor or equivalent positions and made significant contributions to horticulture research, education, and development.
CHAI Fellowship Categories & Grants
Supporting international exposure and career-long professional growth
CHAI–JISL Sponsored Fellowship
Sponsored in collaboration with Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. (JISL), this fellowship provides financial grants and travel support to young scientists, agricultural entrepreneurs, and knowledge providers to participate in prestigious international conferences, symposia, and training programs abroad.
Fellow of CHAI (FCHAI) Conferment
The prestigious title of FCHAI is conferred upon distinguished members across Donor Patron, Corporate, Association, Institutional, and Individual categories at the Annual General Council meeting. Recipients receive a ceremonial plaque, certificate of honor, and lifelong voting privileges.
Past Award Recipients Directory
Search and explore distinguished award winners across years
| Award Name | Distinguished Recipient | Organization / Institution | Conferment Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHAI Honoured Fellow | Dr. M.S. Swaminathan | M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation | 2018 |
| CHAI–Dr. R.S. Paroda Award | Dr. A.K. Singh | DDG (Horticulture), ICAR | 2023 |
| CHAI–Dr. B.H. Jain Award | Prof. K.V. Peter | Former VC, KAU Thrissur | 2022 |
| Prof. H.P. Singh Young Scientist Award | Dr. Vikramaditya Pandey | Principal Scientist, ICAR-IARI | 2024 |
| CHAI Lifetime Achievement Award | Dr. Kirti Singh | Former Chairman, ASRB | 2021 |
| CHAI–Ramnandan Babu Award | Shri Bharat Bhushan Tyagi | Progressive Organic Farmer, Bulandshahr | 2023 |
| CHAI–JISL Fellowship | Dr. Swati Sharma | Scientist, CISH Lucknow | 2024 |
| CHAI–Dr. Ray Best Dissertation Award | Dr. Ankur Agarwal | GBPUAT, Pantnagar | 2023 |
Know Someone Deserving Recognition?
Nominations for CHAI awards are invited annually from members, institutions, and professional bodies. Help us honor the scientists, educators, farmers, and innovators who are quietly transforming Indian horticulture.