Madappa Mahadevappa popularly known as Rice Mahadevappa is an Indian agricultural scientist and plant breeder, renowned for developing high yielding hybrid varieties of rice. He served as the Vice-chancellor of University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad for two terms and as the chairman of Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board under Indian Council of Agricultural Research of which he is a current member of governing council. He is the recipient of Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour and various other accolades. He was born on August 4, 1937 in Chamarajanagar. He is a rice breeder of repute and has several improved varieties and hybrids to his credit.