Telangana farmer, Padma Shri awardee Chintala Venkat Reddy has been complimented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his ‘Mann ki Baat’ programme for developing rice and wheat with Vitamin D and getting patent rights for it.

Prime Minister Speaking to people over All India Radio on Sunday as part of the 21st episode of his ‘Mann ki Baat’ 2.0 programme, he first said about the ‘innovative farmer’ from Hyderabad, Chintala Venkat Reddy. Talking about National Science Day and the importance of knowing more about Indian scientists and Indian science itself, Modi said he wanted students and the younger generation to know and read more about Indian science, the domain of which was much beyond labs. Prime Minister said underscoring the need to move science forward with the mantra of ‘Lab to Land’.

Reddy, he said, had heard from a doctor friend of his on the issues of the inadequate presence of Vitamin D, after which he began thinking what he could do. His efforts through research and trials on his farm saw him coming up with varieties of wheat and rice that were naturally enriched with Vitamin D.

Reddy, earlier this month, had also won a patent for his innovation from the World Intellectual Property Organisation, Modi said, adding that it was a matter of pride for the Government of India that Reddy was honoured with the Padma Shri award last year.

Modi, who spoke about several other innovative farmers, including Urgain Phuntsog of Ladakh, Madurai’s Murugesan and Harishchandra of Barabanki, UP, said the Indian youth should take inspiration from them and believe in the mantra of Lab to Land.

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