Fellows Elected for 2023
Dr. Thapasimuthu Vijayamma Anilkumar (b 8 Feb, 1961) Scientist-G & Head, Division of Experimental Pathology, Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Specialised in Lab animal pathology and toxico-pathology, Dr. T.V. Anilkumar developed several biomedical products for wound healing and also technologies for utilizing slaughter waste usage into value added pharma products.
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (b 29 Nov, 1972) Principal Scientist & Head, Division of Crop Improvement, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj contributed in the development of 17 potato varieties including Kufri Himalini, the most prominent day-neutral potato variety, and Kufri Karan, the variety resistant against late blight, PCN and 5 viruses. He was involved in the development of indigenous processing varieties which contribute >40% share to Indian potato processing industry. He has developed 10 elite genetic stocks of potato exhibiting better processing traits and disease resistance, of which Triplex clone, SM/11 -120 and VMT 5-1 are being extensively used as donors in potato breeding. He has contributed in identification of SNP markers for Fe and Zn biofortification, KASP markers for late blight. viruses & PCN resistance and development of MiMe and haploid inducer, He has received Sir S. Ramanujam award and has published more than 100 research papers.
Dr. Debashis Chakraborty (b 2 Nov, 1970) National Fellow & Principal Scientist, Division of Agricultural Physics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
Dr. Debashis Chakraborty has contributed significantly in the area of macro and micro scale soil responses to tillage, especially on the preferential location of C in soil aggregates, and modification of soil pores, and demonstrated root augmentation in field crops through reduced sub surface soil strength under conservation agriculture. He quantified stage-specific water requirement in wheat through hyperspectral remote sensing, reported hastened maturity and a reduction in seasonal water use with elevated temperature. He also established elevated CO2- induced root growth and N-fixation in chickpea with no change in rhizophere C:N ratio but higher carbonaceous seeds. He has also contributed to developing a large Indian soil database and pedotransfer functions to estimate soil water retention and geospatial technology for resource characterization including participatory GIS.
Dr. William Dollente Dar (b 10 Apr, 1953) Cabinet Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Philippines
Dr. Dar has made remarkable contributions to improve the lives of the poorest people in the semi-arid tropics of the world. Tremendous advances were made under his leadership in sorghum, millets, groundnut, chickpea, pigeon pea and natural resources management to ensure food and nutritional security in the drylands of India and Africa.
Dr. Sachinandan De (b 6 Dec, 1963) Principal Scientist, Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana
Dr. Sachinandan De, an animal biotechnologist developed PCR based techniques for identifying milk/milk products and meat from different animal species. He also developed paper stirp assay for visual detection of bacteria in bovine milk, as well as a PCR based protocol for diagnosis of genetic diseases in bovines.
Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt (b 3 Dec, 1967) Additional Director of Research (Hort & Food Science), Office of the Directorate of Research, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab
Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt made outstanding contribution in the field of horticultural sciences. He has developed 24 varieties and hybrids of onion, brinjal, pumpkin, turmeric, coriander and cauliflower. He is a pioneer in developing virus resistant and hull-less seeded varieties of pumpkin, and alloplasmic male sterile lines in onion and brinjal. He has published 111 research papers, is a distinguished teacher and recipient of several awards.
Dr. Harsh Kumar Dikshit (b 9 Sep, 1964) Principal Scientist, Division of Genetics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
Dr. Dikshit has contributed significantly in genetic improvement of pulses. He has developed 15 varieties of mungbean, lentil and Rajmash. These disease resistant varieties have been adopted in different regions resulting in the improved productivity of these crops.
Dr. Kapuganti Jagadis Gupta (b 1 Aug, 1980) Scientist V, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi
Dr. Gupta has made significant contribution in the field of nitrogen metabolism and nitric acid signalling in plants. His work has contributed in prolonging the shelf-life of fruits.
Dr. Hanuman Sahay Jat (b 2 Sep, 1974) Principal Scientist, Division of Soil & Crop Management, ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana
Dr. Hanuman Sahay Jat has made significant contribution in the field of Conservation and Climate Smart Agriculture. He demonstrated the directions for increasing efficiency of soil, water, nutrient and energy and farmers’ profitability through modern technologies for site-specific nutrient prescription, sub surface drip irrigation, crop residue management and package of practices for direct seeded rice adapted to Conservation Agriculture (CA). He also developed a crop residue degradation product, multi-enterprise model for small land holders and municipal solid waste reclamation technology for salt affected soils. He was associated with the development and evaluation of Nutrient Expert systems, Green Seeker and Urea Calculator App.
Prof. Kazuyuki Inubushi (b 3 Jan, 1956) Faculty of Applied Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo 156-8502 Japan
Dr. Kazuyuki Inubushi has contributed immensely in soil microbiology, discovered fumigation incubation method applicable to quantify microbial biomass by extraction to nitrogen supply and nutrition to rice. Using the15N tracer techniques, he characterized N cycling in submerged rice soils. He contributed to the understanding of methane emission and dynamics resulting from anaerobic decomposition of rice soils, and established the role of rice plant in dominant passage of methane from soil to atmosphere. He studied the impact of elevated CO2 on methane and soil microbial biomass in paddy soil and demonstrated that water management significantly reduced methane flux. He is actively involved with two projects in India focussing on reducing straw burning for healthy life and sustainable agriculture.
Prof. Robinson Jeyashakila (b 1 Apr, 1968) Professor & Head, Department of Fish Quality Assurance & Management, Fisheries College & NJFU, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu
Dr Jeya Shakila Robinson has made significant contribution in the field of Fish Processing Technology reporting biogenic amines (BA) and their risk in fish products, particularly in salted fish. She has developed a rapid analysis of BA by TLC-densitometry, and microbial assays for the detection of chloramphenicol (CAP) and furazolidone (FZD) residues in aqua-cultured shrimps. She has identified ways to utilize fish waste by developing protocols for gelatine and collagen extraction, formulating edible films and collagen peptides, and demonstrating their properties. Her group also developed multiplex PCR assays for the detection of seafood-borne pathogens, RFLP assays to identify adulteration in finfish and shellfish meat, use of dry ice as a chilling medium, and commercialized ready-to-eat fish products and rapid detection kit to detect adulteration of fish with formalin.
Dr. Pankaj Kaushal (b 30 Sep, 1970) Joint Director (Research), ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
Dr. Kaushal has made significant contribution in the area of alien introgression in cereals and the development of high yielding varieties, and unique genetic stocks in various fodder crops. His work has successfully demonstrated manipulation of different levels of ploidy in various crops.
Dr. Ajay Kohli (b 18 Jul, 1963) Deputy Director General-Research, International Rice research Institute, Laguna, Philippines
Dr. Ajay Kohli has made significant contributions in the development of transgenic rice. His work also demonstrated gene silencing in rice and elucidated critical function of starch metabolism in rice gain development. He contributed significantly in the development of network in taking the transgenic work further in crops across the globe.
Dr. Rai Singh Kookana (b 12 Jul, 1957) Chief Research Scientist (CSIRO), Professor, CSIRO Land and Water, Adelaide, Australia
Dr. R.S. Kookana has made significant contribution in the development of risk assessment framework for nano pesticides and promotion of human resource of excellence for Indian agriculture. His other significant contributions include the geographical extrapolation of pesticide fate data to tropical regions and the contaminants of emerging international concerns with implications for India. He is a fellow of the American Society of Soil Sciences.
Dr. Parveen Kumar (b 19 Mar, 1970) Director, ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Ella, Goa
Dr. Parveen Kumar has contributed significantly in the advancement of cost effective agro-techniques to maximize chip grade and French fry grade potatoes which enhanced farmers’ income and ensured year around availability of quality raw material to the industry and was associated in the development of four high yielding potato varieties. He also standardized irrigation and planting schedules of salt tolerant basmati rice and wheat varieties for maximizing system and water productivity in partially reclaimed soils. He developed allometric models for estimating terrestrial carbon sequestration of poplar and eucalyptus plantations and the soil amelioration potential in Trans-IGP, and identified agroforestry rotational models. He contributed to the identification of low-cost green technology for waste water remediation, Fe exchanged nano-bentonite, and deciphered salt tolerance mechanism in salt tolerant mustard, wheat and rice varieties.
Dr. Anju Manuja (b 18 Dec, 1967) Principal Scientist, ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, Haryana
Dr. A. Manuja developed novel nano-formulations for trypanosomiasis and received Indian patent for products and processes related to trypanocidal formulations for reduced toxicity. She also contributed in developing non-toxic and biocompitable nano-formulations (topical stray) and artificial skin construct using 3D printing for application to wound healing.
Prof. Karimbhai M. Maredia (b 12 May, 1959) Professor, Senior Global Scholar and Director inf International Programs, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources,, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
Dr. Maredia has contributed in the development of partnerships and human resource at global level especially in the Indian context. His role in developing South-South collaboration is noteworthy.
Prof. Narayanasamy Mathivanan (b 7 Mar, 1964) Director & Head, Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Dr. Narayanasamy Mathivanan has made significant contribution in the development and promotion of biocontrol agents and their formulations. He has improved Trichoderma strains for biological activity by protoplast fusion and reported newer and purer isolates from various fungi and bacteria. Several of his researches are already being used by the farmers for plant disease management.
Dr. Ram Swaroop Meena (b 19 May, 1977) Assistant Professor, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Dr. Ram Swaroop Meena has contributed significantly in the field of natural resources and soil health management. He has developed innovative low-cost biochar preparation for integrated nutrient management, and agriculture ecosystem models for CO2 sequestration, improving soil physicochemical properties and restoring of degraded lands. He contributed to the assessment of energy flow, carbon auditing and eco-efficiency of diverse tillage systems, and mulching effects on the adaptive capacity of direct-seeded upland rice to alleviate weed and moisture stress. He also contributed to long term impact of vehicular traffic on methane flux under no-till farming and soil microbial, nutrient dynamics under different agronomic environments in rice-based cropping system.
Dr. Kalyan K. Mondal (b 3 Jan, 1969) Principal Scientist, Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi,
Dr. Kalyan Kumar Mondal has made significant contribution in the area of plant bacteriology, specifically on the role of bacterial-type 3 – secretion system effectors in host pathogen interaction. His work on Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae and X. axanopodis pv punicae infecting rice and pomegranate respectively, has lead to the identification of two T3SS effectors such as XopF and XopR which are essential to suppress immunity. In addition he has identified two rice interactor proteins, silencing of which leads to bacterial blight resistance.
He has also developed an antibacterial nano-copper formulation for the management of bacterial diseases, and. a PCR kit for detection of pomegranate bacterial blight pathogen.
Dr. Manish Kumar Pandey (b 10 Apr, 1978) Senior Scientist, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, Telangana
Dr. Manish Kumar Pandey has made a key contribution in decoding reference genome for diploid progenator of tetraploid groundnut. He has also contributed in identification of structural variation in diverse sets of the germplasm using reference genomes. His group has developed SNP genotyping assays for use in breeding applications.
Dr. Radha Prasanna (b 2 Aug, 1964) Professor & Principal Scientist, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
Dr. Radha Prasanna has made outstanding contribution towards cyanobacteria for their multifaceted abilities in promoting growth and productivity in wheat, rice and legumes. She has done pioneering work on diversity analysis of Cyanobacteria in various agro-ecologies in Indian soiland reported for the first time the ability of Cyanobacteria to colonise root regions of wheat, rice and other crops which beneficially modulate the plant and rhizosphere biome. She has developed three commercial bioformulations: BIOFORT (for biofortification), CYANONUTRICON (for nutrient enrichment), and CYNOBIOCON (for biocontrol of fungal pathogens).
Dr. Abhishek Rathore (b 14 Aug, 1976) Regional Breeding Informatics Lead, CGIAR Excellence in Breeding Platform, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Hyderabad, Telangana
Dr. Abhishek Rathore has made significant contribution in breeding platform of CIMMYT, India, and led a global team of data scientists across Asia, Eastern and Southern Africa, West and Central Africa. He made significant contribution in conceptualising, designing, and implementing research data and statistical analytics ecosystems. He developed strong collaborations with crop and informatics scientists globally in delivering research goals through statistical and modern data sciences. He developed analytical systems and dashboards utilising machine learning techniques.
Dr. Gangalakunta P. Obi Reddy (b 1 Mar, 1966) Principal Scientist, Division of Remote Sensing Applications, ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey & Land Use Planning, Nagpur, Maharashtra
Dr. G.P.Obi Reddy has made significant contribution to the application of advance geospatial technologies in natural resources management, which include digital terrain analysis, soil-landscape modelling, harmonization of degraded/wastelands, assessment of soil loss and revision of agro-ecological sub-regions of India. He developed a framework for land degradation mapping at 10k, enrichment of database and GIS based modelling for delineation of potential areas of various crops in India, He designed BHOOMI Geoportal as a gateway in dissemination of various soil and allied resource information. As a core member of the team he contributed to the creation of ICAR-KRISHI Geoportal which is being used in development of policies and action plans for sustainable management of natural resources and site-specific agricultural land use planning.
Dr. Rajarshi Roy Burman (b 26 Feb, 1972) Principal Scientist (Agricultural Extension), Division of Agricultural Extension, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
Dr. Rajarshi Roy Burman developed innovative extension models for enhancing outreach frontline extension, multimedia-based extension models, agro-advisory and query redressal system through social media and ICT, . He made significant contributions in instituting partnership extension models for effective transfer of agricultural technologies, innovative farmer-led extension models for farmer-to-farmer technology dissemination, and models for value chain development to facilitate agripreneurs for enhancing their income. He has promoted innovations like custom hiring centres and model villages under farmer FIRST programme resulting in enhanced technology adoption and increased income of farmers.
Dr. Narottam Prasad Sahu (b 7 Jul, 1965) Join Director, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Dr. Narottam Prasad Sahu has made significant contribution in the development and validation of cost-effective fish feed by enhancing nutrient utilization from de-oiled rice bran by strategic use of exogenous enzymes, nutraceuticals, and solid-state fermentation. Popularizing the leaf meals as a fish feed ingredient is one of his significant contributions. He has also standardized the preparation of protein isolates from non-edible seeds, which are the ideal protein sources in aquafeed with a significant reduction in the anti-nutritional factors. He has contributed significantly to stress mitigation strategies in fish through dietary nutraceuticals like microbial levan, yeast-RNA, nucleotides, acidifier, n-3 fatty acids, carotenoids, fucoidan, etc. and developed a nutraceutical conglomerate to enhance the growth and immunity of stunted fish fingerlings. His team has developed and patented a medicated feed for controlling Argulus in fish.
Dr. R. Sendhil (b 16 Mar, 1979) Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Pondicherry University (A Central University), Puducherry
Dr. R. Sendhil has made significant contribution in developing strategies and policies for agricultural development, focusing on the enhancement of farmers’ income in wheat- and barley-based production systems. He made seminal contributions in identifying and mapping vulnerable regions in wheat and barley agro-ecologies and implemented Randomized Controlled Trial based impact evaluation studies. He has executed large scale surveys for assessing and enhancing the livelihood status of farmers, and accomplished socio-economic studies on farm resource characterization, total factor productivity and technology transfer systems.
Dr. Parbodh Chander Sharma (b 7 Apr, 1961) Director, ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana
Dr. Sharma has developed 6 cultivars of rice, 3 of Indian mustard, 2 of lentil, and 1 of wheat, and 7 genetic stocks adapted to salt stress conditions. His work contributed in better understanding of metabolic pathways for salt tolerance in different field crops.
Dr. Ram Kumar Sharma (b 15 Jun, 1970) Senior Principal Scientist, Biotechnology Department, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresouces Technology, Palampur, H.P.
Dr. Ram Kumar Sharma made pioneeting contributions in the area of molecular genetics and genomics applied towards fundamental and translational research in plantation crops, ornamentals, and medicinal and aromatic plants. His efforts on creation of novel genomic resources laid the foundation to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism of quality, yield, stress tolerance, and specialized metabolism. He has done commendable work ascertaining genome-wide molecular markers, identified potential QTLs, genetic diversity hot spots, and core populations for genetic improvement and implementing conservation measures in tea, stevia, and medicinally important but endangered herbs. He was instrumental in developing and licensing twenty-three superior cultivars in tea, stevia, gerbera, calla lily, and rose for commercial cultivation. His outstanding contribution for the development and commercialization of rebaudiopside-A rich cultivar "HIM Stevia - INGR17052" has been recognised through the prestigious 'CSIR Technology Award-Certificate of Merit for Life Sclences-2021'.
Dr. Anupama Singh (b 22 Sep, 1974) Joint Director Education and Dean PG School, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
Dr. Anupama Singh has made outstanding contribution in the area of crop protection with her novel environment benign discoveries and inventions of products of value for application in Indian agriculture. She has done extensive research on plant and microbial origin-bio-insecticidal, bionematicidal and multifunctional new generation formulations and their process know-hows; and biopolymeric super absorbent soil conditioners for improving water and nutrient use efficiency and moisture conservation. The green process technologies of affluent and toxic solvent free extraction of azadiractinoids from neem and the industrial production of super absorbents are her landmark achievements. Several of these processes have been commercialized and are widely recognised.
Dr. Sudhir Pratap Singh (b 15 Dec, 1977) Scientist - D, DBT-Centre for Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing, Mohali, Chandigarh
Dr. Sudhir Pratap Singh has generated metagenomic resources from thermal springs and enzyme mediated food processing with proper characterization. He revealed tissue specific distribution pattern of mineral nutrients in wheat grain that have critical impact on their bioavailability, molecular insight into seed development in lichi and annona along with the characterization of few crucial plant viruses. He has six patents, of which four have been commercialized. These include enzyme mediated production of prebiotic oligosaccharides, and near-zero calorie functional sugars and other biomolecules from various plant sources.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Tiwari (b 20 Sep, 1963) Director, ICAR-Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
Dr. A.K. Tiwari has developed three vaccines including laponised cell culture CSF vaccine and four diagnostics kits for bovine rota viral infections and CSF. He has also developed multiplex PCR kit for detection of extraneous agents in poultry vaccines.
Dr. Ramesh Pal Singh Verma (b 4 Oct, 1960) Principal Scientist (Plant Breeding), ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, Haryana
Dr. Verma has contributed significantly in developing 13 varieties of barley that are widely adopted in different parts of India. His work with CGIAR institutions had a great impact at global level especially in Asia and Africa. Dr. Verma has also developed several genetic stocks for different target traits that are valuable in trait-based breeding in barley.
Dr. N. Vigneshwaran (b 3 Nov, 1974) Principal Scientist, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Dr. N. Vigneshwaran has made significant contributions in agro-nanotechnology, nano-fertilizers, nano-finishing of cotton textiles and nano-bio-composites. He has developed protocol for production of nano silver using mushroom spent waste and demonstrated its application in anti-bacterial cotton textiles. He invented a new process to synthesize nano-ZnO for use in cotton apparels to impart UV-protection property. He has also developed a system to produce core sheath nano fibre by friction electrospinning. He has patented three technologies and commercialized five to the industries. The nano zinc fertilizer production technology is being used in large scale benefiting the farming community..
