Dr. Avtar Singh Bimbraw | Conservation Agriculture | Excellence in Research
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
Dr. Avtar Singh Bimbraw served as a Senior Agronomist at the Punjab Agricultural University, contributing significantly to the field of agronomy through research, teaching, and extension activities. With a distinguished career spanning several decades, he played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable agricultural practices in Punjab. His expertise and dedication have left a lasting impact on the agrarian community and academic fraternity alike.
Profile:
🎓 Academic Qualifications:
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Ph.D. in Agronomy, PAU, Ludhiana (1985) – OGPA 3.28/4.00
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M.Sc. Dairying (Forage Production), NDRI, Karnal (1980) – 68.29%
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B.Sc. Agriculture (Hons.), PAU, Ludhiana (1977) – OGPA 2.52/4.00
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Matriculation, Punjab School Education Board (1970) – 61.1%
🛠️ Additional Training (India, 1–14 days):
Participated in 8 specialized trainings, including:
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Seed production technologies
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Agroforestry evaluation
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Sugarcane seed certification
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Global Positioning System (GPS) applications in agriculture
📅 Service Record at PAU:
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Joined University Service: November 29, 1985 (Senior Research Fellow)
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Assistant Professor: 1986–1992
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Agronomist: 1992–2000
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Senior Agronomist: 2000–2014
🏛️ Administrative Experience:
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Director, RRS, Kheri (1992–1998)
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Section Head, Forage Section (2001–2011)
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Section Head, Tillage Schemes (2005–2008)
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Section Head, Conservation Agriculture (2009 onward)
👨🏫 Teaching Contributions:
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Taught diverse undergraduate and postgraduate agronomy courses (e.g., Agron.101, 201, 424, 521, 530, 603)
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Supervised 7 M.Sc. and 2 Ph.D. students
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Conducted practical courses under “Earn While You Learn” scheme
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Served as external examiner for 5 universities
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Participated in selection committees for various state and national appointments
🔬 Research Highlights:
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Led multiple projects (8 total), with significant outcomes including:
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Inclusion of Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) in Punjab’s Rabi Package of Practices
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Intercropping systems with sugarcane (moong, mash, cabbage, mentha)
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Direct Seeded Rice and Zero/No-Tillage cultivation technologies
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Evaluation of varieties: sugarcane, cotton, gram, berseem, moong
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Nutrient management and sowing window studies for legumes and cereals
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🌱 Seed Production Achievements (1992–2001):
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Produced and certified ~29,565 quintals of quality seeds (e.g., sugarcane, wheat, maize, pulses)
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Strengthened farm infrastructure for seed production (e.g., seed grader, tractors)
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Contributed significantly to PAU’s farm income and seed supply chain
📢 Extension & Outreach:
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Participated in Kisan Melas, Divas, field days, camps, and radio/TV talks
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Acted as resource person in refresher courses, summer schools, and district-level workshops
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Regularly disseminated improved crop production technologies to farming communities
🏆 Notable Recognitions:
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Subject Expert, Commonwealth Scholarship/Fellowship selection panel (2013)
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Member, selection committees for various agricultural appointments and programs