Smitha Thomas | Agricultural Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Smitha Thomas | Agricultural Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar at St.Teresas College, Ernakulam,  India

Ms. Smitha Thomas is a dedicated research scholar specializing in Agricultural Microbiology at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala. Her research focuses on the role of beneficial microbes in enhancing soil fertility and sustainable crop productivity. With a strong academic background and passion for microbial interactions in agroecosystems, she aims to contribute to environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

  • Ph.D. (Ongoing) in Botany – Agricultural Microbes, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala (Coursework Grade: A – 79.3%)

  • M.Phil. in Botany, St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam – M.G. University (Grade: A – 84.4%)

  • M.Sc. in Botany, M.G. University, Kerala – 66.14%

  • B.Ed. in Natural Science, M.G. University, Kerala – 67%

  • B.Sc. in Botany, M.G. University, Kerala – 75%

🧪 Research Focus:

  • Application of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) in Olericulture

  • Biological Control, Molecular Genetics, Plant Tissue Culture, and Medical Drug Designing

🏆 Academic Recognition & Awards:

  • SET Qualified, 2004

  • DCE Aspire Fellowship for Ph.D. (2022–2023), Govt. of Kerala

  • Outstanding Researcher Award, 1st International Agriculture Conference on Natural vs Organic Farming, Gujarat (Dec 2023)

  • Certificate of Excellence in ReviewingJournal of Scientific Research and Reports (2024)

🎤 Oral Presentations:

  • PGPR research presentations at:

    • 7th Asian PGPR Conference, Telangana (2022)

    • 36th Kerala Science Congress, Kasaragod (2024)

    • RICERCA 2021 National Conference, Alappuzha

    • National Seminar on Miracle Millets, Ernakulam (2023)

🌱 Professional Experience:

  • Over 10 years of teaching experience (2004–2024) as Lecturer in Botany

🌍 Conferences & Training (2020–2024):

  • Attended and presented in 11 Conferences, 4 Oral Presentations, 47 Webinars/Seminars, and 4 Certified Courses

  • Topics include Biotechnology, Natural Farming, Thesis Writing, Molecular Docking, and AI Tools in Research

  • Notable Participation:

    • International Conference on Decarbonizing Agriculture (2023)

    • National Conference on Ethnic Vegetables, Dr. YSRHU (2023)

🧬 Certifications & Courses:

  • Research and Publication Ethics – St. Thomas College & Calicut University

  • Advanced Molecular Docking – SAFI Institute of Advanced Studies

  • AI Tools in Academia – Assumption College, Kerala

  • International Internship on Bioanalytical Techniques – Sacred Heart College & BSN

📝 Peer Reviewer For:

  • Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research

  • Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition

  • Journal of Scientific Research and Reports

Publication Top Notes:

  • Molecular Identification of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria and Their Antiphytopathogenic Compounds by LC-MS TOF Analysis
    Preprint published on March 26, 2025
    DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6083519/v1
    Contributors: Smitha Thomas, Lizzy Mathew

  • Isolation and Molecular Identification of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria, Bacillus licheniformis UBPSB-07 Capable of Enhancing Seed Germination in Vigna radiata L.
    Published in: Phytomorphology (Journal Article)
    Author: Smitha Thomas

 

Yogita Patil | Agricultural Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Ms.Yogita Patil | Agricultural Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Research Student at H. V. Desai College Pune, Maharashtra, India

Ms. Yogita M. Patil is an experienced academician and researcher in the field of Microbiology with over 14 years of teaching and research experience. She is currently working as an Assistant Professor at P.D.E.A’s Waghire College, Saswad, Pune, and serves as a Senior Research Fellow under SARTHI-CSMNRF since 2022.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

  • Ph.D. (Pursuing) – Savitribai Phule Pune University
    Research Topic: Techno-economic feasibility assessment of novel health-promoting probiotics from natural sources

  • M.Phil. in Microbiology – North Maharashtra University (Grade A)
    Dissertation: An Insight in the Methods to Establish Culture as Probiotic

  • M.Sc. & B.Sc. in Microbiology – North Maharashtra University

  • Qualified SET & ICAR-NET (Microbiology)

🧪 Research & Publications:

Ms. Patil has contributed to applied microbiological research, particularly in:

  • Probiotics & Gut Health

  • Soil Microbiology

  • Environmental Microbiology

📄 Notable Publications:

  • Improving the Gut Microbiota with Probiotics and FMTJ. Pure & Applied Microbiology (2021)

  • Soil Beneficial Bacteria Studies in Saswad & Ketkawale Regions (2017)

👩‍🏫 Professional Experience:

  • 🌟 14+ years of teaching and research experience

  • Assistant Professor (Microbiology) at P.D.E.A.’s Waghire College, Saswad – 8 years

  • Former lecturer at MJ College Jalgaon and Dnyansarita Institute

  • Currently a Senior Research Fellow (SARTHI CSMNRF) since 2022

🏆 Awards & Recognitions:

  • 🥈 Multiple Second Prizes in National & International Poster Competitions (2006–2022)

  • 🥉 Third Prize – International Conference on Microbiology & Environmental Sciences (2021)

  • 🎯 Participant – Avishkar University Research Competition, SPPU Pune (2022)

💻 Skills:

  • Proficient in microbiology lab techniques and basic computer applications (MS-CIT certified)

  • Multilingual: Fluent in English, Hindi, and Marathi

Publication:

  • Improving the Gut Microbiota with Probiotics and Faecal Microbiota Transplantation
    Yogita M. Patil, Rajashree B. Patwardhan, Pragati S. Abhyankar
    Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology, Vol. 15, No. 3, pp.

Gizaw Tilahun | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Mr.  Gizaw  Tilahun | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research,  Ethiopia

Gizaw Wegayehu Tilahun is a skilled plant breeder and agronomist with over 7 years of experience in research, particularly in plant breeding, agronomy, crop protection, and participatory breeding. He specializes in barley, potatoes, garlic, vegetables, and highland seed spices. He is currently a Researcher I at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Kulumsa Center, where he conducts extensive research on crop improvement and disease management. His work involves improving crop varieties for better resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses, and he actively engages smallholder farmers in applying advanced agricultural technologies.

Profile:

Education:

  • MSc. in Plant Breeding – Hawassa University, Ethiopia (2022)
    Thesis: Phenotypic Variability and Participatory Selection of Food Barley Genotypes for Moisture Stress

  • BSc. in Plant Science – Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia (2015)

Professional Experience:

  • Researcher I (2024 – Present) – Focus on potato, garlic, vegetables, spices, root, and tuber crops, proposal writing, data collection, and analysis.

  • Associate Researcher (2022 – 2024) – Conducted research on various crops and their performance under different conditions.

  • Assistant Researcher II (2018 – 2022) – Contributed to studies on vegetables, potatoes, and root crops.

  • Agronomist Supervisor at Almeta Impex (2016), managing disease, insect, and nutrient deficiency monitoring.

Selected Publications:

  • Tilahun, G.W., Zeleke, A.A., & Limeneh, D.F. (2025). Agronomic Evaluation and Genetic Variability Studies on Fenugreek. Ecological Genetics and Genomics

  • Tilahun, G.W., Fufa, N., et al. (2024). Stability and Performance of Potato Varieties in Ethiopia. International Journal of Agricultural Research

  • Tilahun, G.W., Galalcha, D.T., et al. (2023). Genetic Diversity of Ethiopian Coriander Accessions. International Journal of Bio-resource and Stress Management

Memberships:

  • Ethiopian Crop Science Society

  • Ethiopian Horticulture Science Society

  • Coffee Science Society

  • Protection Science Society

Cheng Li | Foods | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr Cheng Li |  Foods |  Best Researcher Award

Assistant professor at  Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China

Cheng Li graduated from the Department of Chemistry at Agricultural University of Hebei in 2017 and completed her Master’s and PhD at Tianjin University in 2022, specializing in fluorescent characteristics of functional hyperbranched polymers. Since September 2022, she has been an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Food Science and Technology, focusing on the development of fluorescent hyperbranched polymers for food flavor detection.

Publication profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

Cheng Li graduated from the Department of Chemistry at Hebei Agricultural University in 2017. She earned her Master’s and PhD degrees in Chemistry from Tianjin University in 2022, specializing in the fluorescent characteristics of functional hyperbranched polymers. Since September 2022, she has served as an assistant professor at the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

🏆 Research Projects:

  • National Natural Science Foundation: Identification Mechanism of Sulfur Flavor Substances in Meat (2024-2026).
  • National Key R&D Program: Exploration of Unique Components in Specialty Sheep Meat (2023-2028).
  • Shandong Provincial Key R&D Program: Digital Monitoring System for Meat Quality (2023-2026).

🎖️ Awards and Recognition:

In 2023, Cheng was honored with the National Commercial Science and Technology Progress Award for her contributions to food safety and quality detection technologies.

🔬 Research Focus:

Cheng’s current research revolves around the development of fluorescent hyperbranched polymers aimed at enhancing food flavor detection and quality assessment.

🏅 Achievements:

  • Citations: 109 citations across 104 documents.
  • h-index: 7.
  • Recipient of the National Commercial Science and Technology Progress Award in 2023.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Exploring the Effect of Part Differences on Metabolite Molecule Changes in Refrigerated Pork: Identifying Key Metabolite Compounds and Their Conversion Pathways
    Gu, M., Li, C., Ren, Y., … Zhang, D., Zheng, X.
    Food Chemistry, 2024, 460, 140308.
  • Recent Advances in Photoluminescent Fluorescent Probe Technology for Food Flavor Compounds Analysis
    Tian, X., Zheng, X., Chen, L., … Li, C., Zhang, D.
    Food Chemistry, 2024, 459, 140455.
  • In-Depth Metaproteomics Analysis Reveals the Protein Profile and Metabolism Characteristics in Pork During Refrigerated Storage
    Gu, M., Zhang, D., Li, C., … Li, S., Zheng, X.
    Food Chemistry, 2024, 459, 140149.
  • Value-Added Utilization of Hemoglobin and Its Hydrolysis Products from Livestock and Poultry Blood Processing By-Products: A Review
    Cheng, C., Chen, L., Zhang, D., … Blecker, C., Li, S.
    Trends in Food Science and Technology, 2024, 151, 104645.
  • Development of a Rhodamine-Based Fluorescent Probe for ATP Detection for Potential Applications in Meat Freshness Assessment
    Su, Y., Gu, M., Li, C., … Li, S., Zheng, X.
    Food Chemistry, 2024, 450, 139209.
  • Research Progress of Chilled Meat Freshness Detection Based on Nanozyme Sensing Systems
    Song, G., Li, C., Fauconnier, M.-L., … Wang, S., Zheng, X.
    Food Chemistry: X, 2024, 22, 101364.
  • A Hydrogel-Based Ratiometric Fluorescent Sensor Relying on Rhodamine B Labelled AIE-Featured Hyperbranched Poly(amido amine) for Heparin Detection
    Li, C., Liu, B.-T., Wang, Y.-T., … Zhang, D., Wang, Y.
    Analytica Chimica Acta, 2024, 1300, 342466.
  • Combined Quantitative Lipidomics and Back-Propagation Neural Network Approach to Discriminate the Breed and Part Source of Lamb
    Liu, C., Zhang, D., Li, S., … Li, C., Chen, L.
    Food Chemistry, 2024, 437, 137940.
  • A “Hand-In-Hand” Thermal-Responsive Cyclodextrin Material Designed for Liquid Smart Windows
    Hu, S., Zhang, P., Li, C., … Wang, Y., Xiao, Y.
    Advanced Functional Materials, 2024.

 

Aboubacar Diallo | Agri Awards | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Aboubacar Diallo | Agri Awards | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Aboubacar Diallo, AfricaRice, Mali

Aboubacar Diallo is a Malian researcher and consultant specializing in Climate Information Services (CIS). He is currently affiliated with the AICCRA project at AfricaRice in Mali, where he plays a key role in supporting climate-smart agriculture and advancing agricultural research. With extensive experience in agronomy, natural resource management, and climate resilience, Aboubacar has been instrumental in coordinating and implementing various research projects across Mali. His expertise includes data analysis, research proposal development, and impact assessments, particularly in the agricultural sector. Aboubacar is proficient in using tools such as SPSS, STATA, and QGIS for analyzing socio-economic data. He has also served as a technical officer and consultant on several studies related to cotton production, food security, and local governance in Mali.

Publication profile

Scopus

🎓 Academic Qualifications:

Aboubacar Diallo is a highly skilled researcher with extensive academic and professional experience in agronomy, natural resource management, and climate services. He has contributed to numerous research projects and consultations in Mali, focusing on agriculture, food security, and climate-smart practices.

💼 Professional Experience:

  • Coordinator & Technical Officer: Cashew Project (PAFAM), Mali (2020–2022)
    • Managed project activities, supported technical teams, and provided training.
  • Senior Researcher/Consultant: Agronomic Research Center (CRRA), Mali (2018–2020)
    • Developed research proposals and analyzed agricultural data.
  • Consultant/Associate Researcher: Numerous research projects on cotton quality, local governance, and food security (2015–2023).

🧠 Key Skills:

  • Expertise in research proposal writing, impact assessment, and data analysis (socio-economic and econometrics).
  • Proficient in software such as SPSS, STATA, QGIS, and KoboCollector for research and data processing.

🌱 Recent Consultations:

  • Better Cotton’s Climate-smart Agricultural Practices: Mali (2022–2023)
  • Cotton Quality Study: CMDT-Mali (2020)
  • Local Governance and Democracy Study: NIMD, Mali (2019)

🏆 Trainings & Certifications:

  • Workshop on Leadership Essentials (2018)
  • Borlaug Higher Education Conference on Agricultural Impact (2017)
  • Intensive English Training: University of Ghana (2016)

Publication Top Notes:

  • A gendered analysis of farmers’ access to and willingness to pay for climate information services: Evidence from rice farmers in Mali
  • Correction to: Climate change adaptation strategies, productivity and sustainable food security in southern Mali (Climatic Change, (2020), 159, 3, (309-327), 10.1007/s10584-020-02684-8)
  • Local knowledge of Saba senegalensis fruits against malnutrition in Mali
  • Climate change adaptation strategies, productivity and sustainable food security in southern Mali

Zahoor Ahmad | Crop Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr Zahoor Ahmad |  Crop Physiology |  Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at  University of Central Punjab, Pakistan

Associate Professor, Campus Coordinator University of Central Punjab, Constituent Punjab College Bahawalpur.

Profile:

Academic Qualifications:

  • Post-Doctorate: Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey (January 17 – September 17, 2020)
  • Ph.D. in Crop Physiology: University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan (Completed on December 13, 2015)
    • Thesis Title: Maize (Zea mays L.) Responses to Supplemental Foliar Applied Phosphorus under Drought Stress
  • M.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture (Agronomy/Crop Physiology): University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan (2011)
    • Thesis Title: Response of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) to Foliar Applied Potassium Sulphate (K2SO4)
  • B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture (Agronomy/Crop Physiology): University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan (2009)
  • Intermediate (F.Sc. Pre-medical): BISE Bahawalpur (2005)
  • Matric (Science): BISE Bahawalpur (2002)

Professional Experience:

  • Assistant Professor, Head of Botany Department: Constituent College of University of Central Punjab, Bahawalpur (October 2, 2020 – Present)
  • Post-Doctoral Researcher: Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey (January 17 – September 17, 2020)
  • Visiting Faculty Member: Department of Life Sciences (Botany), The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (October 4, 2017 – January 10, 2020)
  • Lecturer: Allama Iqbal College Bahawalpur (September 15, 2017 – December 31, 2019)
  • Assistant Professor: Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies (CIDS), The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan (July 19, 2016 – July 18, 2017)

Research Interests:

  • Understanding the physiological limitations to crop productivity under field and controlled conditions.
  • Exploring abiotic stress tolerance (drought, salinity, heavy metals, heat) through foliar application of nutrients and trace elements.
  • Identifying morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits for enhanced stress tolerance in crops.
  • Screening germplasm for stress tolerance traits and developing methodologies for productivity enhancement under abiotic stress conditions.

Conclusion:

Considering Dr. Zahoor Ahmad’s research focus, academic background, professional experience, publication record, and contribution to crop physiology under abiotic stress conditions, he seems to be a suitable candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” His work is significant for improving crop resilience and productivity, making him a valuable contributor to agricultural sciences.

Citations:

  • 1,729 Citations from 1,395 documents
  • 91 Documents authored
  • h-index of 22

Publication Top Notes:

  • Modulating Physiological and Antioxidant Responses in Wheat Cultivars via Foliar Application of Silicon Nanoparticles (SiNPs) Under Arsenic Stress Conditions
    Ahmad, Z., Younis, R., Ahmad, T., Alharby, H.F., Alsamadany, H. (2024). Silicon, 16(12), 5199–5211.
  • Silicon-Mediated Improvement in Maize (Zea mays L.) Resilience: Unrevealing Morpho-Physiological, Biochemical, and Root Attributes Against Cadmium and Drought Stress
    Sabir, A., Waraich, E.A., Ahmad, M., Ahmad, Z., Bibi, S. (2024). Silicon, 16(7), 3095–3109. (1 Citation)
  • Improving Alkaline Stress Tolerance in Maize through Seed Priming with Silicon Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Investigation of Growth, Photosynthetic Pigments, Antioxidants, and Ion Balance
    Alsamadany, H., Alharby, H.F., Ahmad, Z., Alzahrani, Y.M., Almaghamsi, A. (2024). Silicon, 16(5), 2233–2244.
  • Enhancing the Physiological and Biochemical Potential of Praecitrullus fistulosus L. through Synergistic Action of Biochar and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
    Sana, S., Binyamin, A., Ramzan, M., Avila-Quezada, G.D., Abd-Allah, E.F. (2024). Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.
  • Perspectives of Nanoparticles as Priming Agents for Amelioration of Abiotic Stresses in Crops
    Ahmad, Z., Waraich, E.A., Iqbal, M.A., Ahmed, S., Bano, S. (2024). In The Nanotechnology Driven Agriculture: The Future Ahead (pp. 117–137).
  • Prospects of Nanotechnology for Abiotic and Biotic Stresses Amelioration in Field Crops
    Ahmad, Z., Waraich, E.A., Barutçular, C., Ahmad, M., Bano, S. (2024). In The Nanotechnology Driven Agriculture: The Future Ahead (pp. 67–84).
  • Effect of Form of Silicon and the Timing of a Single Foliar Application on Sugar Beet Yield
    Siuda, A., Artyszak, A., Gozdowski, D., Ahmad, Z. (2024). Agriculture (Switzerland), 14(1), 86.
  • Ecofriendly Management of Insect Pests for Sustainable Agriculture
    Abbasi, A., Asif, A., Ahmad, Z., Saleha, A., Zafar, Z. (2023). In Climate-Resilient Agriculture, Volume 2, pp. 931–957. (1 Citation)
  • Climate Change and Global Crop Production
    Ahmad, Z., Ahmad, T., Abbasi, A., Sana, S., Jameel, J. (2023). In Climate-Resilient Agriculture, Volume 1, pp. 27–56. (1 Citation)
  • Silicon-Mediated Growth, Physiological, Biochemical and Root Alterations to Confer Drought and Nickel Stress Tolerance in Maize (Zea mays L.)
    Ishaq, H., Waraich, E.A., Hussain, S., Ahmad, Z., Saifullah. (2023). Silicon, 15(15), 6579–6589. (1 Citation)

 

 

Yeongmi Jang | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr Yeongmi Jang |  Agriculture |  Best Researcher Award

PhD at  Chungnam National University, South Korea

Yeongmi Jang is a PhD candidate in the Department of Crop Science at Chungnam National University, Republic of Korea, expecting to complete her degree in August. Her research focuses on Ecology, and she has contributed to various scientific journals, including MDPI publications such as Plants, Agronomy, and Agriculture. Although she has not yet accrued professional work experience, her scholarly efforts have earned her a citation index of 19. Yeongmi is in the process of developing her professional network and contributions, with no current consultancy, publications, or patents to her name.

Profile:

Academic Background:

Yeongmi Jang will complete a PhD in August from Chungnam National University, focusing on Ecology. Although Yeongmi does not have work experience yet, their academic journey promises future contributions to the field.

Research Focus:

Yeongmi Jang’s research in agriculture predominantly explores the effects of environmental stressors and agronomic practices on crop growth and physiology. Key areas of investigation include the impact of long-term salinity stress on mono and mixed crops, and the role of magnesium and calcium sulfate in mitigating such stress in forage crops. Jang has also contributed to understanding the effects of planting density and nitrogen fertilization on forage rice growth in both reclaimed and conventional paddy fields. Additionally, their research addresses the optimal harvest times for maximizing forage value and yield of winter crops and forage rice in South Korea. This work aims to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in challenging environmental conditions.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Evaluating the Effects of Long-Term Salinity Stress on the Growth and Physiology of Mono and Mixed Crops
Journal: Agronomy
Date: 2024-01-27
DOI: 10.3390/agronomy14020287
Contributors: Khulan Sharavdorj; Ser-Oddamba Byambadorj; Yeongmi Jang; Youngjik Ahn; Jin-Woong Cho

2. Effects of Planting Density and Nitrogen Fertilization on the Growth of Forage Rice in Reclaimed and General Paddy Fields
Journal: Plants
Date: 2023-12-19
DOI: 10.3390/plants13010013
Contributors: Yeongmi Jang; Khulan Sharavdorj; Youngjik Ahn; Jinwoong Cho

3. Effects of Planting Density and Nitrogen Fertilization on the Growth of Forage Rice in Reclaimed and General Paddy Fields
Date: 2023-11-08
Preprint DOI: 10.20944/preprints202311.0454.v1
Contributors: Yeongmi Jang; Khulan Sharavdorj; Youngjik Ahn; Jinwoong Cho

4. Application of Magnesium and Calcium Sulfate on Growth and Physiology of Forage Crops under Long-Term Salinity Stress
Journal: Plants
Date: 2022-12-18
DOI: 10.3390/plants11243576
Contributors: Khulan Sharavdorj; Ser-Oddamba Byambadorj; Yeongmi Jang; Jin-Woong Cho

5. Growth and Forage Value of Two Forage Rice Cultivars According to Harvest Time in Reclaimed Land of South Korea
Journal: Agronomy
Date: 2022-12-08
DOI: 10.3390/agronomy12123118
Contributors: Yeongmi Jang; Khulan Sharavdorj; Priscilla Nadalin; Suhwan Lee; Jinwoong Cho

6. Effects of Harvest Time on the Yield and Forage Value of Winter Forage Crops in Reclaimed Lands of Korea
Journal: Agriculture
Date: 2022-06-09
DOI: 10.3390/agriculture12060830
Contributors: Yeongmi Jang; Bumsik Choi; Khulan Sharavdorj; Suhwan Lee; Jinwoong Cho

 

Priya Lal Chandra Paul | Conservation agriculture | Excellence in Research

Dr Priya Lal Chandra Paul |  Conservation agriculture | Excellence in Research

Senior Scientific Officer at  Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Bangladesh

Dr. Priya Lal Chandra Paul is a Senior Scientific Officer at the Irrigation and Water Management Division of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) in Gazipur, Bangladesh. With a profound interest in soil water and salinity dynamics, waterlogging mitigation techniques, and conservation agriculture, Dr. Paul has made significant contributions to agricultural science and water management.

 

Profile:

Education:

🎓 PhD in Agricultural Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia (2020).🎓 M.S. in Irrigation and Water Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh (2006).🎓 B. Sc. Agricultural Engineering, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh (2004)

Professional Experience:

Senior Scientific Officer, BRRI (Dec 2014 – Present). Scientific Officer, BRRI (Aug 2009 – Dec 2014). Assistant General Manager, Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (REB) (Nov 2008 – Aug 2009). Assistant Manager, Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC) (Jul 2008 – Nov 2008). Agricultural Engineer, Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), Ministry of Agriculture (Jul 2006 – Jul 2008)

Professional Development:

Dr. Paul has continually enhanced his expertise through various training programs and courses, including GIS and Remote Sensing in Smart Agriculture, Adaptive Delta Management, and Integrated Water Resource Management. 🌍

Awards and Fellowships:

🏆 ACIAR John Allwright Fellowship, Australia
🏆 TWAS-USM Fellowship, Malaysia
🏆 VLIR-UOS Training Scholarship, Belgium
🏆 National Integrity Strategy Award 2023, BRRI

Dr. Paul’s dedication to agricultural research and development is evident through his extensive involvement in projects aimed at mitigating climate risks and enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems in Bangladesh. 🌱

Conservation Agriculture Research Focus 🌾

Dr. Priya Lal Chandra Paul is deeply engaged in research focused on conservation agriculture, emphasizing sustainable practices that enhance soil health, improve water use efficiency, and increase crop yields while reducing environmental impact. His key research areas in this domain include:

  1. Soil Water Conservation:
    • Investigating techniques to conserve soil moisture, crucial for sustaining crop growth in water-scarce regions.
    • Implementing mulching practices and other soil amendments to maintain optimal soil moisture levels.
  2. Tillage Practices:
    • Exploring minimum tillage and no-till farming methods to reduce soil erosion and degradation.
    • Assessing the impact of different tillage practices on soil structure, water infiltration, and root growth.
  3. Crop Establishment in Saline-Wet Soils:
    • Developing strategies for successful crop establishment in challenging saline and waterlogged soils, typical in coastal regions.
    • Evaluating salt-tolerant crop varieties and appropriate planting techniques to mitigate salinity effects.
  4. Conjunctive Use of Saline and Freshwater:
    • Studying the combined use of saline and freshwater resources to optimize irrigation practices.
    • Implementing water management strategies that balance the use of available water resources to maintain soil health and crop productivity.
  5. Water Saving Techniques:
    • Promoting the use of efficient irrigation systems, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, to minimize water wastage.
    • Investigating alternate wetting and drying (AWD) techniques in rice cultivation to save water and improve water use efficiency.
  6. Conservation Agriculture in Coastal Agriculture and Hydrology:
    • Addressing the unique challenges faced by coastal agricultural systems, including salinity, waterlogging, and soil degradation.
    • Developing and promoting integrated water and soil management practices to enhance the resilience of coastal farming systems.

Dr. Paul’s research is instrumental in developing sustainable agricultural practices that ensure long-term productivity and environmental conservation, particularly in regions facing climatic and hydrological challenges. His work aims to provide practical solutions for farmers to adapt to changing conditions and maintain agricultural sustainability. 🌱

Citation Metrics 📊

  • Total Citations: 339 (since 2019: 312)
  • h-index: 11 (since 2019: 10)
  • i10-index: 12 (since 2019: 11)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Straw mulch and irrigation affect solute potential and sunflower yield in a heavy textured soil in the Ganges Delta
    • Agricultural Water Management 239, 106211 (2020)
    • Citations: 45
  • Banding of fertilizer improves phosphorus acquisition and yield of zero tillage maize by concentrating phosphorus in surface soil
    • Sustainability 10 (9), 3234 (2018)
    • Citations: 35
  • Variation in the yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) due to differing tillage systems is associated with variation in solute potential of the soil solution in a salt-affected soil
    • Soil and Tillage Research 197, 104489 (2020)
    • Citations: 34
  • Impact of rice straw mulch on soil physical properties, sunflower root distribution and yield in a salt-affected clay-textured soil
    • Agriculture 11 (3), 264 (2021)
    • Citations: 29
  • Opportunities for cropping system intensification in the coastal zone of Bangladesh
    • Conference proceedings, Revitalizing the Ganges Coastal Zone: Turning Challenges into Opportunities (2015)
    • Citations: 28*
  • Optimum sowing window for boro cultivation in the coastal zone of Bangladesh
    • Conference proceedings, Revitalizing the Ganges Coastal Zone: Turning Challenges into Opportunities (2015)
    • Citations: 22*
  • Refinement of alternate wetting and drying irrigation method for rice cultivation
    • Bangladesh Rice Journal 17 (1-2), 33-37 (2013)
    • Citations: 22
  • Opportunities and risks with early sowing of sunflower in a salt-affected coastal region of the Ganges Delta
    • Agronomy for Sustainable Development 41 (3), 39 (2021)
    • Citations: 18
  • Water productivity improvement using water saving technologies in Boro rice cultivation
    • Bangladesh Rice Journal 20 (1), 17-22 (2016)
    • Citations: 17
  • Triple rice in a year: Is it a feasible option for the low salinity areas of the coastal zone of Bangladesh
    • Conference proceedings, Revitalizing the Ganges Coastal Zone: Turning Challenges into Opportunities (2015)
    • Citations: 14*
  • Short-Term Waterlogging Depresses Early Growth of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) on Saline Soils with a Shallow Water Table in the Coastal Zone of the Ganges Delta
    • Soil Systems 5 (4), 68 (2021)
    • Citations: 12
  • Selection of Profitable Rice Based Cropping System Under Prevailing Water Environment in Satkhira District of Bangladesh
    • Academia Journal of Agricultural Research 4 (9), 581-588 (2016)
    • Citations: 11*
  • Early transplanting of rainfed rice minimizes irrigation demand by utilizing rainfall
    • Environmental Systems Research 10, 1-11 (2021)
    • Citations: 9
  • Impacts of different tillage systems on the yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in a salt-affected clayey soil of the Ganges Delta
    • Soil Tillage Res 197, 104489 (2020)
    • Citations: 8
  • Rice-rice-rabi cropping systems for increasing the productivity of low salinity regions of the coastal zone of Bangladesh
    • Conference proceedings, Revitalizing the Ganges Coastal Zone: Turning Challenges into Opportunities (2015)
    • Citations: 8*
  • Agronomic practices increase sunflower yield in the rabi (dry) season in clay-textured, salt-affected soils of the coastal region of Bangladesh
    • Murdoch University (2020)
    • Citations: 4
  • Water productivity evaluation for rice based cropping system in Gazipur District of Bangladesh
    • Eco-friendly Agricultural Journal 6 (12), 279-284 (2013)
    • Citations: 4