The 2025 World Food Prize has been awarded to Mariangela Hungria.
The Brazilian microbiologist, for her work in biological nitrogen fixation and the development of microbial technologies that reduce chemical fertilizer use.
This work has significantly impacted Brazilian agriculture, boosting soybean production and saving farmers billions of dollars annually.
Here's a more detailed look at her accomplishments:
Biological Nitrogen Fixation: Hungria pioneered the use of rhizobia, a type of bacteria, to fix atmospheric nitrogen in legumes, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
Reduced Chemical Fertilizer Use: Her innovations have resulted in a significant reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers in Brazilian agriculture, saving an estimated USD 40 billion annually.
Increased Soybean Production: Her work has played a crucial role in Brazil's rise as a global leader in soybean production, with yields increasing from 15 million tones in 1979 to an estimated 173 million tones by 2025.
Sustainable Agriculture: Her approach to sustainable agriculture has been praised for its positive impact on both food security and the environment.
Award and Recognition:
The 2025 World Food Prize, which includes a $500,000 prize, recognizes Hungria's exceptional contributions to food security and nutrition.
In Details:
>> Mariangela pioneered rhizobia-based nitrogen fixation in legumes, this innovation reduced chemical fertilizer use, saving Brazilian farmers USD 40 billion annually, and boosted soybean production from 15 million tones in 1979 to an estimated 173 million tones by 2025.
>> Her work drove Brazil’s “Micro Green Revolution” through sustainable, low-cost microbial technologies.
Biological Nitrogen Fixation(BNF):
Biological nitrogen fixation is a natural process where certain microorganisms convert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃), a form usable by plants.
This improves soil fertility and lessens the need for chemical fertilizers.
Key nitrogen-fixing bacteria include Rhizobium, Anabaena, Nostoc, Azotobacter, and Clostridium pasteurianum.
Improves soil fertility and lessens the need for chemical fertilizers
World Food Prize:
- It was founded in 1986 by Nobel Laureate Norman Borlaug, is a top global award recognizing contributions in improving food quantity, quality and accessibility and agriculture.
- It awards USD 500,000 annually to innovators in agriculture, nutrition, food technology, and hunger alleviation.
- The first recipient was India’s M.S. Swaminathan (1987), father of Indian green revolution.
