Shrirang Devaba Lad: The Farmer-Innovator Whose Work Transformed Indian Agriculture

In early 2026, the Government of India announced its Padma Awards for the year, shining the spotlight on a remarkable figure from rural India — Shrirang Devaba Lad. At the age of 79, Lad, a farmer-activist from Maharashtra, was selected for the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his pioneering contributions to agriculture, particularly cotton research and sustainable farming techniques that have significantly improved yields and livelihoods for thousands of farmers across the country.

Early Life and Roots in Farming

Shrirang Devaba Lad hails from the rural heartland of Maharashtra, with his life deeply rooted in the soil and rhythms of farming. Born into a farming family in the Marathwada region — which has historically faced droughts, market volatility, and agrarian distress — Lad’s early experiences shaped his enduring commitment to agricultural betterment. Growing up amidst fields and farm life, he understood firsthand the hardships faced by cultivators in the cotton belt of India, where low yields and unpredictable weather often spell economic insecurity for small and marginal farmers.

His upbringing instilled in him not only an intimate understanding of ground realities but also a deep resolve to make a difference — a resolve that would guide his decades-long pursuit of innovation in farming. While specific details about his formal education are not widely documented, Lad’s practical wisdom and relentless experimentation became his hallmark, turning him into a respected figure among farming communities.

Agricultural Innovations and Impact

Shrirang Devaba Lad became widely known for his work in cotton research and sustainable agriculture. Over the course of more than four decades, he tirelessly experimented with practical farming techniques designed to increase productivity and profitability in cotton cultivation, one of India’s most important cash crops. His innovations encompassed a scientific yet farmer-friendly approach that included improved practices such as proper pruning, topping of plants, adopting high-density planting patterns, efficient drip irrigation techniques, and the use of mulching to conserve soil moisture and nutrients.

These methods helped address several challenges endemic to cotton cultivation:

• Enhanced Crop Yields: Lad’s techniques significantly increased cotton yield — in some cases by up to 300 %, according to local reports — transforming the economic prospects of many farming families.
• Reduced Input Costs: By optimizing water use and plant management practices, farmers could reduce input costs while maintaining or increasing productivity.
• Stabilised Farm Incomes: Consistently higher yields and lower costs contributed to more stable incomes, providing a buffer against market price swings and climatic uncertainties.

His approach was characterised by a blend of scientific knowledge and practical wisdom, making it accessible and adaptable for farmers across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. As a result, Lad’s innovations did not remain confined to isolated fields but spread widely through farmer networks, training sessions, and community exchanges.

Leadership and Community Engagement

Beyond his role as an innovator, Lad has been an active leader and advocate within the rural agricultural community. He served as an organisational head for the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh in regions including Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat — a grassroots farmers’ organisation dedicated to the welfare of cultivators and improving agricultural practice. His leadership extended beyond research to empowering farmers with knowledge, collective strength, and a voice in policy and community organisations.

Locally, he is affectionately known as “Dada” among fellow farmers — a title that reflects not just respect but deep trust in his insights and dedication. Over the years, Lad’s influence grew from being a pioneering practitioner to a mentor whose advice shaped farm decisions, inspired young farmers, and cultivated a community invested in sustainable productivity.

Recognition and the Padma Shri Award

On 25 January 2026, the Government of India announced that Shrirang Devaba Lad would be conferred the Padma Shri Award for his distinguished service to agriculture, recognising his sustained impact on improving farm yields and livelihoods in rural India. The decision to honour Lad aligns with the government’s broader commitment to celebrating “unsung heroes” — individuals whose contributions, although less visible than those of public figures or celebrities, have deeply enriched society through grassroots service and innovation.

In announcing the awards, the Ministry of Home Affairs highlighted how the Padma honours span disciplines including science, arts, public affairs, civil service, and agriculture, reaffirming the idea that excellence in every field contributes to the nation’s progress. This year’s list included a diverse set of achievers, spanning fields from medicine and sports to culture and community service, with Lad’s inclusion underscoring the importance of agricultural innovation to India’s food security and rural development.

Upon receiving the news of his award, Lad expressed joy and humility, emphasising that the recognition would help his research and techniques reach a wider audience of farmers. He noted that increasing the productivity and incomes of farmers was not only rewarding but a source of joy for him — a testament to his lifelong commitment to grassroots service.

Legacy and Future Influence

Shrirang Devaba Lad’s legacy goes far beyond the Padma Shri accolade. His contributions have helped shift perceptions about agriculture as a field driven by innovation, research, and science — not just traditional practices. By successfully demonstrating that local, farmer-led solutions can deliver large-scale benefits, Lad has become a beacon for sustainable agricultural advancement in India.

His journey from a rural farm field to national recognition exemplifies the potential of grassroots innovation — where real transformation often begins with curiosity, patience, and perseverance. Aspiring agricultural researchers, rural development practitioners, and policymakers alike can draw inspiration from Lad’s example, reassessing how knowledge is shared and scaled in farming communities.

In a nation where agriculture remains central to economic life and social stability, the story of Shrirang Devaba Lad is a compelling reminder that true progress often springs from the soil, nurtured by those who dare to innovate not for fame but for the well-being of others.