Padma Shri for progressive farmer from Parbhani for cotton research

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Shrirang Lad, a progressive farmer and noted leader from Marathwada's Parbhani district, has been conferred the Padma Shri award for 2026 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to cotton research.Hailing from a humble farming family in Malsona village, Lad has carried out several innovative experiments over the past four decades to improve cotton productivity, benefiting farmers across the region and beyond.Fondly called Dada, 80-year-old Lad developed an effective and scientific method for pruning, topping, high-density planting, drip irrigation, and mulching, making cotton cultivation more profitable for the farming community. "I am happy with the honour bestowed upon me. It will spread awareness about cotton cultivation technology among many. I hope cotton producer farmers will benefit from my work and unfortunate incidents like farmer suicides will be avoided," he told TOI.Lad, who is an active RSS volunteer since 1970 and currently serves as the organisational head of Bharatiya Kisan Sangh for Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujrat, recently received an honorary Doctor of Science from Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani.