Eminent Indian scientist Dr S Ayyappan has received the 2014 Gujar Mal Modi Award for innovative science & technology.

Ayyappan, one of the outstanding scientists in the field of fisheries, freshwater aquaculture and aquatic microbiology, is credited with bringing Indian fisheries to a level of excellence in basic science and fish commercialisation.

The scientist received a cash prize of Rs 2.01 lakh and a scroll of honour and a silver shield from Union Agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singh.

Ayyappan is also the founder and chief executive of the National Fisheries Development Board.

He has been advising the international community, FAO, and other UN agencies on various aspects of fish production and commercialisation.

Speaking on the occasion, S K Modi, president of the G M Modi Foundation, said: Under leadership of Dr Ayyappan the agricultural research and education programmes in our country have received a new direction.