Q. Who founded Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company (Mahyco) after experimenting with a high-yield okra hybrid?
Answer: B. R. Barwale
Notes: Badrinarayan Ramulal Barwale, widely known as B. R. Barwale, established Mahyco in 1964 in Maharashtra after experimenting with a high-yield okra hybrid he obtained at the World Agricultural Fair in the 1950s. Barwale’s pioneering efforts in hybrid seed development revolutionized Indian agriculture, making quality seeds accessible to farmers. He was instrumental in expanding hybrid crop cultivation and building farmer training networks. His outstanding contributions earned him the World Food Prize in 1998 and Padma Bhushan in 2001.