Barwale (66) heads Mahyco that produces and markets more than 300 hybrid varieties of rice, wheat, corn, sorghum, pulses, oilseeds and vegetables. He was specifically honored for his superior accomplishments in developing private enterprise in India's agricultural sector.

MS Swaminathan, the architect of India's `Green Revolution,' was one of the previous winners of the World Food Prize.

Jalna (Maharashtra)-based Mahyco, established in 1964, is recognized globally as a pre-eminent model of success in the private sector seed industry and has contributed considerably to improve India's economy and food supply.

The internationally recognized World Food Prize is awardedannually by the World Food Prize Foundation. The group made the formal 1998 laureate announcement today at a press conference held in the US. Sponsored in 1990 by John Ruan, businessman and philanthropist, The World Food Prize Foundation is located in Des Moines, Iowa.

"BR Barwale has dedicated his life to improving agricultural productivity in India," said John Runan. "His vision to see the private sector take the lead in India's seed industry has literally transformed the country's food production system. His achievements has set an example for other developing nations who are striving to become self-sufficient in food production."