Iowa State University has honored Indian American agronomist Manjit Misra with George Washington Carver Distinguished Service Award for advancing global food and nutrition security through visionary leadership.
Established in 2005, the award honors distinguished College of Agriculture and Life Sciences alumni who have demonstrated outstanding achievement or leadership in making significant, influential, or innovative contributions to society.
“Misra has dedicated his career to advancing global food and nutrition security through visionary leadership, innovation and service,” according to the citation.
During his time serving as director of Iowa State University’s Seed Science Center and professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering, he led efforts to strengthen seed systems in 79 countries, including 34 nations across Africa, helping improve agricultural productivity and food security for millions of people worldwide, it stated.
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Misra’s impact extended nationally when former President Joe Biden appointed him director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
There, he oversaw approximately $2 billion in annual investments supporting research, extension and education programs at more than 100 universities. Under his leadership, NIFA invested $100 million to establish five national artificial intelligence institutes and directed $262 million to the NextGen program, preparing future leaders to address critical challenges in food and agriculture.
A distinguished scholar and innovator, Misra has co-authored 137 publications and co-invented technologies resulting in 10 U.S. and international patents. He has provided leadership through numerous national committees, including chairing the USDA National Genetic Resources Advisory Council.
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His many honors include the ASABE Sukup Global Food Security Award, the AE 50 Award, given to the top 50 innovators in the world, and the Distinguished Service Award for Leadership, Vision, and Exemplary Service to the U.S. Seed Industry from the American Seed Trade Association.
Misra received the USDA Secretary’s NextGen award for workforce development. The President of India conferred on him an honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) degree for his contributions to agriculture.
Misra also has a collection of Iowa State University-related honors, including the faculty and staff Outstanding Achievement in International Agriculture award, and the Order of the Knoll.