Renowned agricultural scientist and Padma Shri awardee Dr Subbanna Ayyappan, 70, was found dead in the Cauvery River near Srirangapatna in Karnataka’s Mandya district on Saturday.
The tragic discovery, made approximately 20 km from Mysuru, has sent shockwaves across the scientific community and the nation.
Mandya Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi confirmed that locals alerted the police after spotting a body floating in the river. “We recovered the body from the river and sent it for post-mortem. His scooter was also found parked nearby. An investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of death,” he said.
Dr Ayyappan had been reported missing by his family on 8 May, a day after he was last seen. His wife and two daughters had filed a complaint at the Vidyaranyapuram Police Station in Mysuru.
In response, police reviewed CCTV footage and traced his movements along the Mysuru–Bengaluru highway, where he was seen riding near Varthur Junction. Subsequently, the Srirangapatna police were alerted to intensify search efforts in the area.
Born on 10 December 1955 in Yalandur, Chamarajanagar district, Dr Ayyappan dedicated his life to agricultural innovation, particularly in the field of aquaculture.
He played a pivotal role in India’s Blue Revolution, which transformed the nation’s fisheries sector. In recognition of his contributions, he was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2022.
Dr Ayyappan held numerous prestigious positions throughout his illustrious career. He served as the Chancellor of Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and President of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
He earned his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from Mangaluru in 1975 and 1977. He later obtained his PhD from Bangalore Agricultural University in 1998.
Over the years, he was instrumental in establishing several agricultural institutions and chaired multiple national-level committees, earning wide respect for his leadership and vision.
His sudden death has left a profound void in India’s scientific and agricultural fraternity. Investigations are ongoing, as authorities seek clarity on the circumstances surrounding the untimely demise of one of the country’s most respected agricultural minds.
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