CGIAR Scientist Wins 2005 World Food Prize
Research Effort Brings "Blue Revolution" to Poor People

WASHINGTON, DC, June 13, 2005 - Modadugu V. Gupta, a fisheries scientist from India, won the 2005 World Food Prize. He was cited for "Providing enhanced nutrition to millions of the poor around the globe through his work at The WorldFish Center," and for "Pioneering breeding of carp and other pond fish adaptable to a variety of different environments in rural areas, from Bangladesh to the Mekong Basin countries, thereby helping millions of small-holder farmers gain access to innovative aquaculture techniques in Southeast Asia and beyond."

The announcement was made at the U.S. Department of State by Ambassador Kenneth Quinn, President of the Iowa-based World Food Prize Foundation. The $250,000 World Food Prize will be presented to the winner on October 13, 2005 in Des Moines, Iowa, USA.

"Fish is food for millions of poor people in developing countries and a vital source of protein," said Ian Johnson, CGIAR Chairman and World Bank Vice President for Sustainable Development. "Dr. Gupta's remarkable research achievements demonstrate how science-based solutions can benefit poor people."

Dr. Gupta's research efforts at the WorldFish Center spanned 15 years, and led to the development of low-input, low-cost aquaculture technologies that allow poor farmers to integrate fish-growing in their activities, a "Blue Revolution" that is increasing the incomes and nutritional well-being of millions of poor farming families in Asia. Fish harvests have increased three to five-fold in Bangladesh, Laos, and other countries in Southeast Asia.

The mission of the WorldFish Center is to reduce poverty and hunger by improving fisheries and aquaculture.

pictures courtesy of WorldFish Center

Related Links:

WorldFish Center
The World Food Prize