Dr Janaki Ammal, pioneering botanist, cytogeneticist and passionate plant scientist who sweetened our sugarcane varieties served as the head of the Botanical Survey of India in the 1950s.
Born in 1897 in Thalasseri, Kerala, India, she was the 10th child of 19 brothers and sisters in Kerala, India to father Diwan. She is a pioneer in the field of botany. She is one of the few Asian women to have been awarded an honorary doctorate (DSc Honorary Cause) by her alma mater, the University of Michigan in 1931, era when women were discouraged from higher education.
Graduated from Queen Mary College. Received the prestigious Barbour Scholarship from the University of Michigan in the US and earned a master’s degree and then a doctorate. She returned to India in 1951 and accepted a proposal from the Prime Minister to reorganize the Botanical Survey of India. Developed sugarcane hybrids with high sucrose content which India can develop instead of importing.
By manipulating polyploid cells through hybrid breeding of hybrids in the laboratory, Janaki was able to create a high yielding breed of sugarcane that would thrive in Indian conditions. A renowned botanist and plant cytologist who made significant contributions to genetics, evolution, plant geography and ethnography and also saved biodiversity of India.
Dr Janaki Ammal was awarded the Padma Shri in 1977.
She is among inspirational women inspiring younger generations.
