Dr. Subbanna Ayyappan, a pioneering figure in Indian agricultural science and recipient of the Padma Shri, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in the River Cauvery near Sai Ashram in Srirangapatna, Karnataka, on May 10. He was 68 years old.
A resident of Mysuru, Dr. Ayyappan was reported missing since May 7, prompting concern among family and colleagues. His scooter was discovered abandoned on the riverbank, deepening the intrigue surrounding his sudden disappearance and tragic death. The Srirangapatna Police have registered a case and are conducting a full investigation to determine whether the death was accidental, self-inflicted, or the result of foul play.
Dr. Ayyappan was a towering figure in fisheries and aquaculture, often hailed as the principal architect of India’s Blue Revolution—a movement that transformed fish farming across the country. His innovations in inland and coastal aquaculture revolutionized rural livelihoods, boosted food security, and significantly increased fish production, making a long-lasting impact on India’s agriculture and food systems.
A Career of National Importance:
-
Born: December 10, 1955, in Yelandur, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka.
-
Education:
-
BFSc (1975) and MFSc (1977) from Mangaluru.
-
PhD (1998) from University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru.
-
-
Key Positions:
-
Director of the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar.
-
Director of the Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai.
-
Founding CEO of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad.
-
Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Government of India.
-
Chairman, NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories).
-
Vice-Chancellor, Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal.
-
His recognition culminated in 2022 when he was conferred the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, for his transformative contributions to agricultural science.
Dr. Ayyappan is survived by his wife and two daughters. His sudden and unexpected death has left the scientific and agricultural communities in shock, with tributes pouring in for a man remembered as visionary, humble, and deeply committed to public service.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of death. As of now, no official cause has been confirmed, and foul play has not been ruled out.
