On May 13, 2025, the World Food Prize Foundation, based in Des Moines, Iowa (United States of America, USA), named Brazilian Microbiologist Dr. Mariangela Hungria as the winner of the 2025 World Food Prize.
- The award honors Dr. Hungria’s groundbreaking work in developing biological alternatives to chemical fertilizers, significantly enhancing sustainable agriculture practices in Brazil and beyond.
- She will officially receive the award at the World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue International Symposium scheduled for October 2025 in Des Moines and a monetary prize of USD 500,000.
Note: The World Food Prize Foundation announced the award in Des Moines, for the first time in 25 years, instead of the usual venue in Washington, D.C. (USA).
About Dr. Mariangela Hungria:
i.Dr. Hungria has dedicated over 40 years to research at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) in Brasilia (Brazil), focusing on soil microbiology and plant nutrition.
ii.She developed biological seed/soil treatments using nitrogen-fixing bacteria to replace synthetic fertilizers.
iii.Her work helped Brazil raise soybean production from about 15 Million Metric Tons (MMT) in the 1980s to over 170 MMT today, making it the world’s top producer and exporter.
iv.She also developed biological solutions using Azospirillum brasilense bacteria to increase root growth in crops like corn, helping them reach deeper for water and nutrients.
v.She is the 10th woman to be honoured with the World Food Prize.
About World Food Prize:
i.The World Food Prize is an international accolade honoring individuals who have made exceptional contributions to improving food quality, quantity, and accessibility worldwide.
ii.Established in 1986 by Dr. Norman Borlaug, the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and “Father of the Green Revolution”.
iii.Often termed the “Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture”, it is awarded annually by the World Food Prize Foundation.
iv.It is held annually in October on or around World Food Day (October 16).World Food Prize laureates are honored with a USD 500,000 monetary award, a diploma, and a commemorative sculpture designed by renowned artist Saul Bass.
v.As of 2025, the World Food Prize has been awarded to 56 individuals since its inception in 1987.
- In 1987, Dr. Mankombu Sambasivan (M.S.) Swaminathan, an Indian geneticist was the first recipient of the World Food Prize.
vi.Other Indian laureates include Dr. Verghese Kurien, known as the “Milkman of India,” who was honored in 1989 for his work on Operation Flood, Gurdev Khush received the award in 1996, Dr. Surinder K. Vasal was honored in 2000,Dr. Sanjaya Rajaram awarded in 2014 and Dr. Rattan Lal, who received recognition in 2020.
vii.The 2024 World Food Prize was awarded to Dr. Cary Fowler of the United States of America(USA) and Dr. Geoffrey Hawtin of the United Kingdom(UK) and Canada.
About World Food Prize Foundation:
Chairman – Paul Schickler
Headquarters – Des Moines, Iowa (United States of America, USA)
Founded – 1986
