Charudatta Mayee wins 2025 ICAC award for cotton research excellence

Charudatta Mayee, President , Cotton Association of India and South Asia Biotech Center, has been awarded the 2025 ICAC Cotton Researcher of the Year. The announcement came from ICAC’s Chief Scientist Keshav Kranthi.

Recognized for his pioneering role in cotton biotechnology, Mayee was instrumental in India’s Bt cotton revolution, guiding biosafety protocols and regulatory approvals. He was selected by a five-member global panel for his lifetime contributions to cotton science. The ICAC honor includes a certificate, shield, and $1,000, and is awarded annually to a leading researcher in the global cotton sector.

Mayee’s career spans over five decades and includes major recognitions such as the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship and national honors like the Vasantrao Naik Krishi Award and ICAR Outstanding Team Research Award. His early accolades include the MJ Narasimhan Academic Award and VP Gokhale Award. Currently, his work focuses on high density planting systems (HDPS) and sustainable pest management. He remains actively involved in field demonstrations and farmer outreach through Agrovision Foundation and South Asia Biotech Center. Mayee continues to shape cotton research and policy, championing sustainable practices and supporting smallholder farmers across India.