Subbanna Ayyappan, former Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and a Padma Shri awardee, was found dead in the Cauvery River near Srirangapatna, police said. His body was spotted floating in the river on Saturday and later taken out, they added. Ayyappan, 70, was a well-known scientist in agriculture and fisheries (aquaculture) and was the first non-crop scientist to lead ICAR.

Police said his two-wheeler was found parked near the riverbank, and it is suspected that he may have jumped into the river. However, the exact cause of death will be known only after a full investigation. Ayyappan lived in the Vishweshwara Nagar Industrial Area in Mysuru. His family had filed a missing person report on May 7 at the Vidyaranyapuram Police Station in Mysuru.

According to police, he often visited the Saibaba Ashram on the banks of the Cauvery River in Srirangapatna for meditation.Ayyappan, who played a key role in India’s 'Blue Revolution', is survived by his wife and two daughters.

About Subbanna Ayyappan

Subbanna Ayyappan, former Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), was a respected scientist known for his key role in India’s Blue Revolution. He was the first non-crop scientist to head ICAR. In 2022, President Ram Nath Kovind awarded him the Padma Shri for his outstanding work in Science and Engineering. The President noted Ayyappan’s significant research in aquaculture and aquatic microbiology in a post on X.

Ayyappan held a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Fisheries and served in several top national roles. His efforts greatly supported the growth of India’s agriculture and fisheries sector, earning him national recognition.