Renowned Indian chef, author, and Padma Shri awardee Sanjeev Kapoor has been honoured as a “Top Agri-Food Pioneer” by World Food Prize Foundation (WFPF) for his outstanding contribution to global food sustainability and nutrition advocacy.
The award ceremony took place in Des Moines, Iowa (USA) during the Borlaug Dialogue Week 2025– an annual global forum that gathers world leaders, scientists, policymakers, and innovators to deliberate on food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture.
Key Highlights
- Award: Top Agri-Food Pioneer 2025
- Presented by: World Food Prize Foundation (WFPF)
- Venue: Des Moines, Iowa, USA
- Occasion: Borlaug Dialogue Week 2025
- Recipient: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor — celebrated chef, TV personality, entrepreneur, and Padma Shri awardee.
Contribution and Impact
Promoting Global Food Sustainability
- Kapoor has been recognised for promoting healthy and sustainable eating, supporting Indian agriculture, and championing local ingredients globally.
- He has played a key role in connecting agriculture with culinary innovation to make nutritious food more accessible.
Nutrition and Agricultural Linkages
- Through partnerships with organisations like HarvestPlus Solutions, Kapoor has empowered farmers, children, and families via nutrition-based initiatives.
- His projects have served millions of wholesome meals, blending traditional Indian cuisine with modern nutrition.
Initiatives
Nutri Pathshala Programme:
- Connects schools, farmers, and nutrition programmes to bridge the gap between agriculture and nutrition awareness.
Bio-Fortified Crop Advocacy:
- Promotes iron-rich pearl millet and zinc-rich wheat, demonstrating the role of culinary practices in supporting agricultural innovation.
- Bio-fortification means improving the nutritional quality of crops during their growth phase, enhancing their vitamin and mineral content naturally.
“Farm to Finger” Philosophy
- Kapoor champions India’s “Farm to Finger” tradition — highlighting the country’s culture of eating with hands as a symbol of connection, mindfulness, and respect for food.
- This philosophy promotes a sustainable, local, and culturally rooted food system linking farmers, producers, and consumers.
Societal Outreach
- His school-based nutrition programmes have engaged thousands of students, educators, and farmers.
- Focus on nutrition education, food accessibility, and traditional flavours — creating a model for sustainable and healthy eating in India and beyond.
World Food Prize Foundation (WFPF)
| Founded | 1986 |
| Founder | Dr. Norman E. Borlaug (Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, 1970) |
| Headquarters | Des Moines, Iowa, USA |
| First Chairman | Dr. Norman Borlaug |
| Successor (2009) | Dr. M. S. Swaminathan – India’s eminent agricultural scientist |
| Core Mission | Recognising contributions to food security, sustainable agriculture, and nutrition innovation |
| Major Initiatives | 1. World Food Prize 2. Top Agri-Food Pioneers (TAP) list 3. Borlaug Dialogue (annual summit) |
World Food Prize
- Established: 1987
- Often called the “Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture”
- Monetary Reward: USD 250,000
- Recognises individuals and organisations contributing in fields like:
- Food security, agricultural innovation, nutrition, crop science, aquaculture, water conservation, policy, and poverty alleviation.
Dr. Norman Borlaug (1914–2009)
- Known as the “Father of the Green Revolution”
- His research on high-yield, disease-resistant wheat varieties revolutionised global food production.
- Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (1970) for combating world hunger.
About Sanjeev Kapoor
| Born | April 10, 1964 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Chef, Author, Entrepreneur, Television Personality |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2017) |
| Famous TV Show | Khana Khazana (Asia’s longest-running cookery show) |
| Notable Ventures | “Yellow Chilli” restaurant chain, Wonderchef (cookware brand) |
| Contributions | Promotion of healthy cooking, food entrepreneurship, and culinary education |
About Padma Shri
- Instituted: 1954
- Position: 4th highest civilian award in India
- Categories: Recognises distinguished contributions in fields like Arts, Education, Science, Social Work, Medicine, Literature, and Public Affairs.
- Other Civilian Awards (Order of Precedence):
- Bharat Ratna
- Padma Vibhushan
- Padma Bhushan
- Padma Shri
Des Moines, Iowa
- Known as the “Global Hub for Food and Agricultural Innovation.”
- Hosts the World Food Prize Foundation Headquarters and Borlaug Dialogue Week annually.
- Home state of Dr. Norman Borlaug.
India and World Food Prize
- M. S. Swaminathan was the first World Food Prize laureate (1987).
- Other Indian laureates include:
- Dr. Verghese Kurien (1993) – Father of the White Revolution.
- Dr. Sanjaya Rajaram (2014) – Wheat scientist and Borlaug protégé.
- Dr. Rattan Lal (2020) – Soil scientist.
Significance of Recognition
- Enhances India’s global reputation in food innovation and sustainable agriculture.
- Showcases culinary leadership in advancing nutrition and agri-linkages.
- Highlights India’s role in combining tradition with modern science to ensure food security and better public health outcomes.