The Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) has selected Dr Abebe Menkir, IITA Maize Breeder, as the recipient of the 2015 CSSA Fellow Award. Dr Menkir has received this prestigious recognition for his efforts spanning 19 years at IITA in breeding maize with high yield potential, resistance to diseases and Striga, tolerance to drought, and low levels of aflatoxin production. Many of these varieties have been registered and released by the national agricultural research systems (NARS) and the private sector, and have contributed to significant improvements in the productivity, income, and well-being of people in West and Central Africa.
In addition to his laudable scientific achievements that have contributed to agricultural development, he was considered for this award because of his collaboration with the NARS, the private sector, and advanced research institutes in the US, UK, and Australia.
“For me this is a recognition of the output of the Maize Unit and IITA’s contributions to science and development in Africa. I will continue to mentor the younger generations of scientists and generate more varieties and innovations that will have greater impact on the livelihoods of farmers,” said Dr Menkir.
Dr Menkir will be formally recognized with this award during the 2015
Annual Meeting in the Hilton Minneapolis at the CSSA Breakfast, Awards, and Plenary (Klepper Lecture) on 17 November. He will also be acknowledged in CSA News and other avenues, including a poster display at the Annual Meeting.
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