Indian Botanist: Dr. J. J. Chinoy

Botanists have contributed significantly by conducting research to develop new varieties of food grains. Among them, India's Dr. Chinoy holds a prominent place. He made an unprecedented contribution to developing disease-free plants that could grow with minimal water during droughts.
Dr. Jamshedji Jijibhoy Chinoy was born on February 18, 1909, in Bhuj, Gujarat. He studied at Bombay University and earned his B.Sc. degree in Botany in 1929. Graduating at the top of his class with first-class honors, he received government scholarships and fellowships. The Government of India sent him to Britain for further research. After studying at Imperial College, London University, he returned to India and joined the Indian Central Cotton Committee as a scientist. In 1941, he joined the Indian Agricultural Research Institute. Around the time the country gained independence, he joined Gujarat University as a Professor of Botany.
He authored nearly 200 research papers in botany, earned worldwide fame, and traveled to guide agricultural research in countries including Britain, Holland, France, and Germany. As a professor, he mentored numerous students who went on to become leading scientists. He also made remarkable contributions to cellular and molecular biology. He passed away on March 12, 1978.