Avtar Singh Bimbraw | Conservation Agriculture | Excellence in Research

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:

  • Ph.D. in Agronomy, PAU, Ludhiana (1985) – OGPA 3.28/4.00

  • M.Sc. Dairying (Forage Production), NDRI, Karnal (1980) – 68.29%

  • B.Sc. Agriculture (Hons.), PAU, Ludhiana (1977) – OGPA 2.52/4.00

  • Matriculation, Punjab School Education Board (1970) – 61.1%

🛠️ Additional Training (India, 1–14 days):

Participated in 8 specialized trainings, including:

  • Seed production technologies

  • Agroforestry evaluation

  • Sugarcane seed certification

  • Global Positioning System (GPS) applications in agriculture

📅 Service Record at PAU:

  • Joined University Service: November 29, 1985 (Senior Research Fellow)

  • Assistant Professor: 1986–1992

  • Agronomist: 1992–2000

  • Senior Agronomist: 2000–2014

🏛️ Administrative Experience:

  • Director, RRS, Kheri (1992–1998)

  • Section Head, Forage Section (2001–2011)

  • Section Head, Tillage Schemes (2005–2008)

  • Section Head, Conservation Agriculture (2009 onward)

👨‍🏫 Teaching Contributions:

  • Taught diverse undergraduate and postgraduate agronomy courses (e.g., Agron.101, 201, 424, 521, 530, 603)

  • Supervised 7 M.Sc. and 2 Ph.D. students

  • Conducted practical courses under “Earn While You Learn” scheme

  • Served as external examiner for 5 universities

  • Participated in selection committees for various state and national appointments

🔬 Research Highlights:

  • Led multiple projects (8 total), with significant outcomes including:

    • Inclusion of Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) in Punjab’s Rabi Package of Practices

    • Intercropping systems with sugarcane (moong, mash, cabbage, mentha)

    • Direct Seeded Rice and Zero/No-Tillage cultivation technologies

    • Evaluation of varieties: sugarcane, cotton, gram, berseem, moong

    • Nutrient management and sowing window studies for legumes and cereals

🌱 Seed Production Achievements (1992–2001):

  • Produced and certified ~29,565 quintals of quality seeds (e.g., sugarcane, wheat, maize, pulses)

  • Strengthened farm infrastructure for seed production (e.g., seed grader, tractors)

  • Contributed significantly to PAU’s farm income and seed supply chain

📢 Extension & Outreach:

  • Participated in Kisan Melas, Divas, field days, camps, and radio/TV talks

  • Acted as resource person in refresher courses, summer schools, and district-level workshops

  • Regularly disseminated improved crop production technologies to farming communities

🏆 Notable Recognitions:

  • Subject Expert, Commonwealth Scholarship/Fellowship selection panel (2013)

  • Member, selection committees for various agricultural appointments and programs

Publication:

  • Response of Fodder Maize to Different Levels of Nitrogen Under Various Establishment Methods

Aparna Singh | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Aparna Singh | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Aparna Singh, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, India

Aparna Singh is a dedicated postgraduate researcher specializing in Industrial Biotechnology, with a strong focus on eco-friendly bioremediation and sustainable environmental solutions. Passionate about leveraging scientific advancements to address pressing global issues, Aparna combines academic rigor with innovative thinking to contribute meaningfully to the field of biotechnology.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

Diverse Research Contributions:

Aparna’s work spans various impactful domains, including biochar-mediated bioremediation, cytokine roles in immune programming, and sustainable waste management.

Publications in reputable journals (e.g., Chemical Engineering Journal with DOI references) and oral presentations at esteemed international conferences (e.g., IIT-Patna, NYU Abu Dhabi).

Interdisciplinary Expertise:

Her research integrates biotechnology, environmental science, and clinical studies, indicating versatility.

Significant focus on addressing global challenges like environmental pollution and sustainable waste management.

Technical and Soft Skills:

Mastery of molecular and cell culture techniques, bioprocess engineering, and advanced instrumentation demonstrates strong technical acumen.

Academic writing, public speaking, and teamwork showcase her ability to effectively communicate and collaborate in research environments.

Academic Background and Training:

Advanced studies in Industrial Biotechnology from a prestigious institution (NIT Karnataka) paired with specialized training (e.g., fermentation and bioprocess engineering).

Additional certifications in proteomics and cancer metastasis enhance her skill set.

Recognition Through Presentations:

Aparna has presented her work at high-profile platforms, underscoring her contributions to the scientific community.

Vision and Motivation:

A clear, impactful research philosophy—transforming waste into a resource—aligns with sustainability goals and innovation in science.

Areas for Improvement

Focus and Depth in Publications:

While Aparna has made commendable strides in multiple areas, concentrating on one or two core research themes could lead to higher impact and specialization.

More high-impact journal publications with detailed mechanistic studies would bolster her credentials further.

Expanded Collaborative Network:

Collaborating with international research groups or industries could enhance her global exposure and the translational potential of her research.

Skill Development in Computational Tools:

Proficiency in bioinformatics or computational modeling could complement her experimental research, especially in mechanistic studies.

Grant Writing Experience:

Demonstrating ability to secure independent research funding would add a significant dimension to her academic portfolio.

Education 🎓

  • Master of Technology in Industrial Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Karnataka (2022–2024).
    Thesis: Harnessing Microbial Cell Biochar for Eco-friendly Wastewater Treatment.
  • Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (2015–2019).
    Thesis: Vitamin D Status and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Role of Vitamin D Resistance.
    Minor Project: Effect of Lead and Iron on Scenedesmus obliquus.
    CGPA: 7.98.

Experience 🧪

Aparna brings hands-on experience in bioprocess engineering and environmental biotechnology. With robust skills in molecular and cell culture techniques, biochemical assays, and clinical studies, she has contributed significantly to projects involving microbial biochar systems, water and soil remediation, and the sustainable management of mine waste.

Research Interests 🔬

Aparna’s research interests revolve around:

  • Bioremediation using biochar-bacteria systems.
  • Biochemical and molecular analysis of contaminants in environmental matrices.
  • Role of cytokines in immune programming and metabolic disorders.

Awards 🏆

  • Oral Presentation: “Harnessing Microbial Cell Biochar for Eco-friendly Wastewater Treatment,” IIT-Patna (ICSPT), December 2023.
  • IDEAS Conference: Presented at NYU Abu Dhabi, January 2024.
  • Best Research Paper Award: RASTH-2021 Conference on Applied Science and Health.

Publication Top Notes 📚

  1. Mechanistic understanding of biochar-bacteria system for enhanced chlorpyrifos bioremediation in water and soil medium
  2. Mechanistic studies on bioremediation of dye using Aeromonas veronii immobilized peanut shell biochar
    • Under Review.
  3. Bioprocesses for sustainable management of mine waste in contaminated environmental matrices
    • Book Chapter, Publication Year Pending.
  4. Role of Cytokines on Fetal Immune Programming

 

Conclusions

Aparna Singh demonstrates an exceptional blend of technical expertise, interdisciplinary research focus, and a strong commitment to addressing critical societal challenges. Her achievements and motivation make her a strong contender for the “Best Researcher Award.” Addressing the suggested areas for improvement would further solidify her position as a leading researcher in her field.