Dr. Rajendra S. Paroda, former Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) & Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Government of India, is an accomplished plant breeder and geneticist by profession and an able research administrator. He has made significant contributions in the field of crop science research. He is known for modernization and strengthening of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) in India as well as in Central Asia and the Caucasus. He has the unique distinction of being the main architect of one of the world’s largest and most modern national Gene Bank in New Delhi. He has received numerous awards and recognitions and had been the founder chairman of Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR) and serving as Executive Secretary to the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI) since 1992.