Dr. Appunu Chinnaswamy (b 04 June 1977) Principal Scientist, Division of Crop Improvement, ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Dr. Appunu has made outstanding contributions in basic and applied research on sugarcane. He has been instrumental in identifying novel and robust sources of resistance to diseases and tolerance to drought, salinity and low temperature from wild Saccharum species. He has been involved in the development and release of climate-resilient (Co 0212, Co 06022, CoG 6, Co 14005), early maturing (Co 11015) and medium late maturing (CoC 25, CoC 13339, Co 14012, Co 18009) varieties of sugarcane for Tamil Nadu and Peninsular zone. He has developed genomic resources of wild Saccharum germplasm, serving as repository for characterization of novel promoters and genes for enhancing biomass and abiotic stress tolerance in sugarcane. He demonstrated proof of concept on the application of CRISPR-based targeted gene editing in sugarcane.
Dr. (Ms.) Arti Bhatia (b 22 September 1969) Principal Scientist, Division of Environmental Sciences, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
Dr. Arti Bhatia’s research efforts have advanced the knowledge of mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Indian agriculture. She has prepared inventories of agricultural GHG emissions and rationalized National estimates of methane emissions from rice cultivation providing a more accurate scientific basis for India’s climate reporting. Her research has identified management practices that reduce reactive-N fluxes, improve nitrogen-use efficiency, and lower global warming potential (GWP) in major cropping systems. Her work on nitrogen budgets over five decades in Indian and global agriculture has led to the development of sustainable nutrient management strategies.
Dr. Ashim Kumar Biswas (b 05 March 1978) Principal Scientist, Division of Livestock Products Technology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh
Dr. Biswas has contributed significantly in the field of Livestock Products Technology through development and validation of LC methods for monitoring of pesticide and antimicrobial residues in meat. He has developed techniques for (i) characterization of vero-toxin producing E. coli in meat; (ii) characterization of non-lysosomal cysteine proteases and their role in post-mortem ageing of meat; and (iii) enzyme biomarker-based rapid method for field monitoring of fresh and frozen-thawed meat in supply chain for quality assurance. Besides, Dr. Biswas has developed many shelf-stable livestock products rich in bioactive compounds, which have been commercialized.
Dr. Mahesh Chander (b 14 August 1964) Principal Scientist, Division of Extension Education, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh
Dr. Mahesh has significantly contributed to narrow - data and knowledge gaps in various domains of agricultural development having policy implications. His work on the empirical information generated on the evolving field of Organic Agriculture is an excellent example of knowledge generation, management and effective communication leading to widely referred publications and Blogs. His significant contributions include mobile Apps, several radio and TV talks and training programs for the capacity building of various categories of stakeholders. He holds copy rights for 15 mobile Apps.
Dr. Gyanendra Kumar Gaur (b 04 January 1964) Assistant Director General, Animal Science Division, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi
Dr. Gyanendra has made significant contributions in the area of Animal Sciences by developing two synthetic breeds of cattle (Frieswal and Vrindavani) and one variety of pig (Landlly). He also characterized, documented and registered one breed each of goat (Rohilkhandi) and pig (Ghurrah). He developed Walk-in Animal Image Acquisition System; Portable Pig Feed Dispenser and Goat feeder; pig manure conditioning system for efficient biogas production; and biogas digester. He also designed low-density SNP panel based on imputation accuracy for implementing genomic selection in crossbred pigs and identified SNPs having association with production/ health traits in cattle and pigs. Besides, he formulated therapeutic diet for FMD infected crossbred calves.
Dr. Amalendu Ghosh (b 07 May 1984) Senior Scientist, Advanced Centre for Plant Virology, Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
Dr. Ghosh has carried out pioneering research on the disruption of virus transmission by vectors like thrips and whiteflies using RNAi, gene editing, and antisense technologies. He has identified key genes involved in virus transmission, and developed a slow-release dsRNA formulation that minimizes pesticide use and supports eco-friendly pest control. He has also advanced rapid onsite assays for insect vector identification, aiding quarantine and field interventions.
Dr. Girish Patil Shivanagowda (b 26 March 1976) Director, ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, Nagaland
Dr. Girish has made significant contributions in the area of meat science research in India. He has developed an array of techniques for species identification of meat. He was also instrumental in establishing the first farm-to-fork blockchain-based meat traceability system in the country (MeatTrace). He has established two Rural Feed Processing Units and one model slaughterhouse, which have helped in strengthening the meat value chain. He has also patented portable slaughterhouse, a landmark in hygienic meat production in the country.
Dr. Shankar Lal Jat (b 03 February 1983) Senior Scientist, ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research (Delhi Unit), Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
Dr. Jat has made tangible contributions to the development of conservation agriculture (CA), nutrient management, and climate-smart maize-based systems. His innovative technologies have been instrumental in enhancing productivity, profitability, water budgeting, and soil health restoration, while reducing environmental footprints. By integrating nutrient management tools, like optical sensors, site-specific nutrient management, and slow-release fertilizers with conservation agriculture, Dr. Jat developed nutrient-smart, low-carbon practices for sustainable agriculture and contributed significantly to the policy brief on the CA Roadmap for India, including the triple M cropping system in the national crop plan. His innovative participatory extension model facilitated large-scale adoption of maize-based CA systems in Assam, the Western Indo- Gangetic Plains, and the NEH region.
Dr. Gopal Lal (b 10 March 1967) Joint Director and Acting Director, ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research, Management, Hyderabad, Telangana
Dr. Gopal has developed 13 varieties, 60 technologies, and 38 value-added products in spices. His varieties are popular in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and other seed spices growing areas. The varieties have tremendous export potential with high yield quality and resistant to diseases. He was also involved in development of DUS guidelines in seed spices.
Dr. Satendra Kumar Mangrauthia (b 01 January 1982) Principal Scientist, ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana
Dr. Satendra has made tangible contributions in the area of genome editing, host-pathogen interactions, and molecular mechanisms of environmental stresses. He has developed one of the country’s first genome-edited rice variety with significant yield gain and climate resilience. His contributions on high temperature tolerance, phosphorus use efficiency, enhanced grain productivity and nutrition, and disease resistance have led to the development of 18 high-yielding and climate resilient rice cultivars.
Prof. (Ms.) Mywish Karimbhai Maredia (b 06 November 1963) Professor, Justin S. Morrill Hall of Agriculture, 446 W. Circle Drive, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
Prof. Maredia is an eminent agricultural economist and has significantly contributed to develop national strategies across five countries(India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Ghana) advancing seed systems, technology adoption, and rigorous impact evaluation. She has mentored numerous students and junior faculty and promoted enduring partnerships. In collaboration with CGIAR, USAID, USDA, the World Bank, and ADB, she has strengthened training programs, policy dialogue, and institutional capacity, fostering inclusive, climate resilient agri-food transformation. She brings globally connected leadership that bridges Indian agri-science with international agricultural research and policy networks helping India’s voice and leadership in global food and agricultural systems transformation.
Dr. K.A. Martin Xavier (b 26 October 1977) Senior Scientist, QAM Division, ICAR Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin, Kerala
Dr. Martin Xavier has made outstanding contribution to shrimp shell waste utilization including developing novel extraction methods of nano-chitin, colloidal chitin, chitin, and carotene protein. He has been involved in application of chitosan for the development of functional product, extruded products, oil reduction, and shelf-life extension of emulsion sausages. He also has studied microplastic contamination and its mitigation measures in fish and fisheries products.
Dr. (Ms.) Debabandya Mohapatra (b 20 May 1974) Head, Automation and Plant Engineering Division, ICAR-National Institute of Secondary Agriculture, Ranchi, Jharkhand
Dr. Debabandya has worked on advanced mechanistic, machine-learning tools to develop solutions for milling, drying, storage and quality sensing system for rice, millets and medicinal crops. Her work on fermentation technology of millets deserves special mention as it improved the nutritional value and shelf life of novel nutri-grain products. Vacuum hermetic and ozone fumigation, microwave-based popping, extraction, and disinfestation technologies with improved processing efficiency as green technology are her other important contributions.
Dr. Manishi Mukesh (b 26 August 1969) Principal Scientist, Division of Animal Biotechnology, ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, Haryana
Dr. Manishi has made significant contributions in the area of genome diversity and evolutionary relationships in native cattle. He was able to provide evidence for superior heat tolerance and adaptation in native cattle based on physio-hematological, cellular, genome, transcriptome, epigenome and metabolome data. He has decoded high altitude adaptation potential of cattle, yak and other livestock from Leh-Ladakh. He has also characterized transcriptome, proteome and metabolome signatures of milk colostrum of Ladakhi cows and yak from Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh, resultingin the identification of several health beneficial bioactive peptides, and metabolites that has helped in value addition and long-term conservation. He also established superior endurance trait of Zanskar horses being deployed at forward posts in Ladakh leading to sustained conservation.
Dr. Arup Kumar Mukherjee (b 13 November 1965) Principal Scientist, Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, Odisha
Dr. Mukherjee has identified components of slow blasting resistance in rice and studied their interactions. He demonstrated compatible interactions among Arabidopsis thaliana and Alternaria brassicicola through transcriptional signature. He mapped the white rust resistance gene in Brassica juncea from India. Also isolated and identified several Trichoderma spp, mainly from tree bark, with potential for plant growth promotion, biocontrol of plant diseases and decomposition of rice straw. A Trichoderma-based formulation with potential for biocontrol and crop growth enhancement, has been granted Indian patent and commercialized. He was involved in the development and release of 15 rice varieties.
Dr. Raveendran Muthurajan (b 05 June 1970) Director (Research), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Dr. Raveendran has made significant contributions to basic and strategic research in rice and other crops. He played a vital role in the discovery of India’s first Non-GM herbicide tolerant rice mutant “ROBIN”, which has been used for developing herbicide-tolerant rice varieties at various Institutions. He has been involved in the development of eight crop varieties, including submergence tolerant rice, CO 43-Sub1; blast-resistant rice, CO 52; therapeutic rice, CO 57; CO 58; CO 59, barnyard millet variety, ATL 1; proso millet variety, ATL 2, and sorghum variety, K11. He has mapped QTL for lutein content in rice; cloned drought tolerance genes namely, OsARD4, EcNAC67, OsOLP and AtDREB1A. He has developed novel rice genetic stocks possessing high yield, aroma, herbicide tolerance and diseases resistance through gene editing.
Dr. Vignesh Muthusamy (b 06 September 1986) Senior Scientist, Division of Genetics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
Dr. Vignesh has made tangible contributions to the development and release of bio-fortified (18) and specialty corn (9) hybrids through integrated molecular and conventional breeding approaches. Eight of these hybrids were commercialized through licensing agreements with 22 companies. His basic and strategic research efforts involved characterizing genes, mapping QTL, allele mining, marker development and generating novel genetic stocks for nutritional quality and specialty traits. He has developed unique germplasm with diverse nutritional and specialty traits as rich genetic resource for future breeding programs.
Dr. Rajiv Pandey (b 29 July 1972) Scientist F and Head, Division of Forestry Statistics, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Dr. Pandey has significantly contributed to valuation of forests for gross domestic product (GDP), Green GDP and payment of eco-system goods and services; estimation of demand and supply of fuel wood, fodder and timber; estimation of pollution abatement, soil erosion control and bio-diversity and habitat services of forests; estimation of national demand and supply of wood for various wood industries, fuel wood and fodder by proposing new methods; estimation of the contributions of NRM to community wellbeing against climatic and non-climatic challenges using new methodology for suggesting suitable policies and practices.
Dr. Narayan Lal Panwar (b 20 July 1973) Professor, Department of Renewable Energy, Engineering, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Dr. Panwar has significantly contributed to the field of crop residues management using thermochemical conversion techniques. He has developed wood gas stoves, biomass gasifiers pyrolyzers, torrefaction, and industrial scale biochar production system for higher value use of agricultural by-products and wastes and majority of them are licensed for large scale production.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Parihar (b 09 September 1982) Senior Scientist, Crop Improvement Division, ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Dr. Parihar has developed 13 high-yielding multiple disease resistant field pea varieties which contribute about 58% share in the national seed chain. He has registered nine trait-specific genetic stocks of field pea and cowpea. He has developed molecular markers and established marker-trait associations in grass pea. He has identified ‘Hot Spots’ for screening biotic stresses in lentil, field pea and mungbean. Dr. Parihar has delineated the impact of heat stress on seed quality and yield attributes of field pea and characterized the responsive traits to design efficient breeding program for heat tolerance in pulses. He has also explained the adaptive response of urdbean, lentil and field pea under different ecologies and identified megaenvironments.
Prof. Channapatna Sundar Prakash (b 14 April 1956) Dean, College of Arts & Sciences, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama, USA
Prof. Prakash has been internationally recognized for pioneering work in crop genomics and biotechnology. He was first to develop GMO groundnut and sweet potato. He has played a key role in commercial approval and acceptance of Bt-cotton. He has co-edited 5 books and delivered over 1000 lectures in 80 countries for creation of awareness on food biotechnology issues. Prof. Prakash maintains strong ties with Indian agriculture, as member of DBT Overseas Advisory Committee and trained dozens of Indian students/scholars abroad.
Dr. Nagabovanalli Basavarajappa Prakash (b 20 May 1965) Professor and Dean , College of Agriculture, GKVK Campus, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Dr. Prakash has done extensive research on diverse silicon sources, including rice husk biochar, diatomaceous earth, foliar silicic acid, slag-based gypsum, and soil available silicon. These studies led to the development of nine silicon-based technologies, which were officially adopted in the Package of Practices at UAS Bangalore, significantly benefiting Indian farmers. Dr. Prakash played a pivotal role in policy advocacy, ensuring the inclusion of Diatomite Amorphous Silica and Ortho Silicic Acid as beneficial fertilizers under India’s Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) . His innovations are well-recognized globally, with multiple patents to his credit.
Dr. A. Amarender Reddy (b 12 August 1970) Joint Director, ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
Dr. Reddy studied the off-farm and non-farm livelihood conditions of farmers and agricultural labourers with focus on evidence -based policy reforms to improve their incomes and standard of living. His study on analysis of income disparities of farmers using NSSO unit level data is a pioneering work in the field of agricultural economics. He has significantly contributed to economic and policy analysis of crop diversification with particular reference to pulses, oilseeds and millets contributing to ensuring food security in dryland regions of India. His research contributions in developing Farmer’s Distress Index and early warning systems for preventive action significantly influenced in framing national policy, notably contributing to the Technology Mission on Pulses and Oil Seeds, migration, social -safety nets like MGNREGA, PMFBY, and PM KISAN.
Dr. Serge Savary (b 08 March 1957) Former Director of Research, ORSTOM, IRD, INRA, France
Dr. Savary is an internationally recognized Plant Pathologist, working on epidemiological modelling and system analysis of crop plant diseases. In IRRI, he developed crop loss data base, simulation models ( EPIRICE & RICEPEST) and methodology for crop loss assessment. Besides, in France, he developed another two simulation models (EPIWHEAT & WHEATPEST). His continued association with India will be helpful in developing new concepts in Plant Pathology in the Indian context.
Prof. Sengottayan Senthil-Nathan (b 31 December 1972) Professor & Director, Sri Paramakalyani Centre for Excellence in Environmental Sciences, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Alwarkurichi, Tamil Nadu
Prof. Senthil-Nathan developed sustainable agricultural strategies to stimulate innate plant defense systems. His research involved the use of natural resources, plants, and microbes, which are repositories for a wide range of assorted bioactive compounds. With the natural compounds from neem, together with bacterial toxins, he has proven their insecticidal activities against agriculturally important pests like leaf folder, cutworm, stem borer, hopper, defoliator, and several Lepidopterans. He has also studied the effect of induced defense in plants by analyzing their resistance efficiencies against these pests.
Prof. Akhilesh Sharma (b 10 March 1970) Professor, Department of Vegetable Science & Floriculture, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh
Prof. Sharma has made significant contributions to the field of Vegetable Science in hill areas. His notable achievements include the development of 27 vegetable crop varieties and hybrids across peas, chilli, cauliflower, fenugreek, parthenocarpy cucumber, and tomato. Sixteen companies have licensed pea variety Him Palam Matar-1 developed by him.
Dr. Parvender Sheoran (b 09 February 1976) Director, ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Reearch Institute, Punjab Agricultural University Campus, Ludhiana, Punjab
Dr. Sheoran has developed location-specific, resource-efficient, and ecologically sustainable agronomic technologies for oilseed and field crops in India. He has developed agronomic package of seven improved varieties/hybrids of oilseeds released at the national and state level. Twenty technologies developed by him have been incorporated into the Packages of Practices of Punjab and Haryana. Dr. Sheoran has 17 ICAR-certified products, technologies, and methodologies to his credit. Control of parasitic weed ‘Orobanche’ in mustard with herbicide-based technology developed by him is his landmark contribution in weed science. His contributions towards resource optimization, strengthening ecological resilience, and land degradation neutrality through his work on soil amelioration, balanced fertilization, gypsum alternatives, sodicitytolerant varieties, and energy-efficient residue management are worth mentioning.
Prof. Zaki Anwar Siddiqui (b 29 September 1963) Professor, Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
Prof. Siddiqui studied the mechanisms of nematode, fungal and bacterial interactions in the wilt disease complex of pigeon pea, root rot disease complex of chickpea, blight disease complex of pea etc. He has isolated and identified large number of Bacillus and Pseudomonas sp. for biocontrol of plant diseases either singly or in association with mycorrhizal fungi, antagonistic fungi, plant straw, organic manures etc. Leaf extracts and leaf residues of Peristrophe bicalyculata and Dalbergia sisso were used as cheap culture substrates of Pecilomyces lilacinus for successful biocontrol of nematode diseases under field condition.
Dr. Binod Kumar Singh (b 25 December 1970) Principal Scientist, Division of Vegetable Improvement, ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Dr. Singh has developed 18 varieties and hybrids, in spinach beet, cauliflower leafy chenopod, carrot, French bean, Basella, and radish. Of these, five varieties or unique germplasms have been licensed to the private sectors, while twelve are part of the Breeder Seed production Chain. He is the first to develop the tropical kale variety ‘Kashi Kale-1’ in the world. Dr. Singh has also developed CMS-line (VRRAD-201) and the hybrid Kashi-Rituraj in Radish.
Dr. Mohar Singh (b 26 September 1970) Principal Scientist, ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources Regional Station, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Dr. Singh has made significant contributions in the management of plant genetic resources especially of pulses including lentil, chickpea, French bean, rice bean and pseudo cereals such as grain amaranth, buckwheat, chenopod, and adzuki bean. He has developed nine bio-fortified crop varieties of buckwheat, grain amaranth, adzuki bean, lentil and first Indian super food quinoa. Dr. Singh has registered nine trait-specific genetic stocks for these crops. He has facilitated establishment of two Community Seed Banks for mainstreaming traditional crop diversity to empower local communities for nutritional and livelihood security. He has been instrumental in the introduction of global wild lentil and chickpea species, from which key traits were introgressed into cultivated gene pool, resulting in high-yielding disease resistant lentil varieties in India.
Dr. Vijay Singh (b 10 July 1970) Chair Professor, College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1304 West Pennsylvania Avenue, Urbana
Dr. Vijay has been leading research focused on developing bio-processing technologies required to produce sustainable food and bio-products. He has developed and patented improved corn processing for reducing capital and operating costs and recover high-value co-products. Dr. Singh led a major research project to study and prevent postharvest losses using low-cost hermetic storage of grains in India. These technologies have been adopted in China, Malaysia, India, Israel, and Romania. He has also contributed significantly towards recovery of natural colors, optimizing corn wet-milling operations, reducing vegetable oil imports and supporting the nascent grain ethanol and precision fermentation industries.
Dr. Naresh Kumar Soora (b 01 March 1966) Head and Principal Scientist, Division of Environmental Sciences, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
Dr. Naresh has made pioneering contributions to climate change impact assessment, agricultural adaptation, and crop systems modelling. His landmark research on the spatial assessment of impacts, adaptation gains, and vulnerability of 12 major crops formed part of India’s National Communication to the UNFCCC, directly influencing national climate policy. He has been instrumental in building climate resilience in farmers’ fields across the Indo-Gangetic Plains, Madhya Pradesh, and Himalayan states through evidence-based interventions. His research on drought tolerance in coconut led to the release of the drought-tolerant, high-quality oil/fat coconut variety ‘Kalpashree’ and two cocoa hybrids (VTLCH-1 & VTLCH-2), strengthening tropical crop improvement. As Lead of the InfoCrop Modelling Group since 2010, he developed InfoCrop v2.1, India’s flagship crop simulation model.
Dr. Ajit Kumar Verma (b 20 June 1973) Principal Scientist, Aquaculture Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Dr. Verma has pioneered in enhancing production efficiency through application of Aquaponics, Biofloc, and RAS technologies. His patented inventions include the CIFE Eco Hatchery, Automatic Feeder, Filter, Floating Hatchery, Solid Removal Device, Sensor Based Aeration and Aquaponics, Mechanical-cum-Biological Drum Filter, Aquaponics, Airlift Biofloc System, and Apparatus for the Preparation of Feed Pellets.
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