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Born at Chirala, Andhra Pradesh, India on 1^st June, 1961, Dr Lella Venkata Subba Rao got his school education at B V & B N High School, Chira, Intermediate at Andhra Loyala College, Vijayawada. He completed his B. Sc. (Ag.) in 1982 from Bapatla Agricultural College, M. Sc. (Ag.) from TNAU, Coimbatore in 1984 and Ph. D. from APAU, Hyderabad in 1994 in Genetics and Plant Breeding.

Dr. Rao started his professional career as Scientist at ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (than Directorate of Rice Research) Hyderabad, became Scientist (SS) in 1995, Senior Scientist in 1999 and Principal Scientist in 2007. Currently he is Head, Crop Improvement Section and PI-AICRP on Rice from 2017 to till date.

Dr. Rao has received many awards and honour which include CSIR Award for S&T Innovations for Rural Development 2013, ‘Fellow’ of Association for Advancement of Biodiversity Science 2015, International Agricultural Scientist Award 2015; Outstanding Achievement Award 2015, Seedsmen Annual Awards 2015, Biotech Product Process Development and Commercialization Award 2016, Distinguished Scientist Award 2016, Bharat Ratna Rajiv Gandhi Gold Medal Award-2021.

Dr. Rao has made significant contribution in rice breeding and in successfully coordinated the rice breeder seed production system in the country. He was involved in development and release of 31 rice varieties through CVRC or SVRC and registered nine unique rice genetic stocks with NBPGR. Published more than 175 research articles in various peer reviewed journals and author/editor 26 books/bulletins. His efforts in National Seed Project for three decades culminated in the Breeder seed production >5000 tonnes of paddy in the country and >500 tonnes at IIRR, Hyderabad. Characterization and evaluation of >35,000 rice germplasm accessions over two and half decades.  Involved in formulation of DUS test guidelines and descriptors in rice and implemented IP related issues through registration of rice varieties (333 new + 70 VCKs + 199ENVs +2391 farmers’ varieties). Dr. Rao generated revenue to the tune of Rs 200 lakhs and also attracted the funds to the institute through several externally funded projects to the tunes of Rs. 63.32 crores. He guided more than 35 students of M.Sc(Ag) and Ph.D

The Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding feels proud to bestow on Dr. Lella Venkata Subba Rao, the fellowship of the society for his outstanding contribution in the field of Plant Breeding and Genetics.