M. Mahadevappa

Madappa Mahadevappa (4 August 1937 – 6 March 2021), popularly known as "Rice Mahadevappa" was an Indian agricultural scientist and plant breeder, renowned for developing high yielding hybrid varieties of rice. He served as the Vice-chancellor of University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad for two terms and as the chairman of "Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board" under Indian Council of Agricultural Research of which he was a member of governing council. He was the recipient of Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour and various other accolades.
Contributions.
Mahadevappa, an elected fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, contributed extensively to the Indian agrarian community through various innovative applications and research initiatives including development of over nine varieties of high yielding hybrid rice varieties. While being a pioneer in hybrid rice farming in the country, he was also credited for his "Integrated Parthenium Weed Management", a scientific and efficient weed management technique against the invasive Parthenium.
Mahadevappa was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
Death.
Mahadevappa died on 6 March 2021, due to age related ailments, in Mysore.