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Last edited March 19, 2026


Mangala Rai
Born1947

Mangala Rai (born June 30, 1947) is an Indian agriculture scientist.[1][2] He served as Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).[3]

Early life[edit | edit source]

He was born into a farming family in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh.[3] Rai earned his B.Sc. (Ag.) from Gorakhpur University in 1967, followed by an M.Sc.(ag.) in 1969 and a Ph.D. in 1973 from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.[4]

Career[edit | edit source]

Rai began working as a Junior Plant Breeder at R.B.S. College, Agra (1973–1975).[4] He held positions in multiple organizations, eventually rising to the top of India's agro-research and dissemination network.[3] He has visited more than 50 countries while leading several national delegations.[1] He has published nearly 200 research papers in national and international journals.[2]

In 2022, he chaired a committee focused on the holistic development of agriculture and allied sectors in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.[5]

Recognition[edit | edit source]

Rai has been awarded honorary Doctor of Science degrees by 16 universities.[4] He is a fellow of several professional bodies.[4]

  • U.S. Awasthi IFFCO Lifetime Achievement Award for 2023–24.[6]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Dr. Mangala Rai Will Honor Pride Gazipur - Amar Ujala Hindi News Live - डा. मंगला राय को मिलेगा गाजीपुर गौरव सम्मान". Amar Ujala (in हिन्दी). 29 Mar 2016. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  2. 2.0 2.1 "Celebrations will be held on December 20, famous agronomist Dr. Mangala Rai will be the chief guest, will get gold medal on 25 - एनडी विवि का 23वां दीक्षांत समारोह 20 को: देश के प्रसिद्ध एग्रोनॉमिस्ट डॉ मंगला राय मुख्य अतिथि होंगे,25 स्टूडेंट्स को मिलेगा गोल्ड मेडल - Ayodhya News - Dainik Bhaskar". Dainik Bhaskar (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Mangala Rai appointed new ICAR chief - India News - Times of India". The Times of India. 10 Jan 2003. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "National Academy of Agricultural Sciences". National Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
  5. "Dr Mangala Rai led panel for holistic dev of agriculture, allied sectors presents report to LG – Statetimes". State Times. 14 Oct 2022. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  6. "FAI Seminar: Dr Rai & Dr Gulati bag US Awasthi IFFCO Lifetime Awards". Retrieved 2025-04-30.