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

Samuel Agele | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Samuel Agele | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Professor at  Federal University of Technology Akure,  Nigeria

Prof. Agele Samuel Ohikhena is a distinguished Plant Physiologist and Ecologist with expertise in crop physiology, irrigation management, and climate adaptation strategies for sustainable agriculture. He holds a B.Agric. degree, an M.Sc. in Desert Science, a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Protected Crops & Irrigation (Israel).

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

He holds a B.Agric., an M.Sc. in Desert Science, and a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology. Additionally, he obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Protected Crops & Irrigation from Israel.

🎓 Supervision & Academic Contributions:

Prof. Agele has supervised numerous undergraduate projects, over 25 master’s theses, and about 15 Ph.D. dissertations.

🏛️ Administrative & Research Leadership:

He has actively contributed to FUTA’s academic administration and served in leadership roles, including:
🔹 Head of Department (Crop, Soil & Pest Management, FUTA) (2013-2016)
🔹 Dean (Faculty of Agriculture, University of Africa, Toru Orua, Bayelsa State) (2017-2019)
🔹 Scholar (World Bank Step B Centre of Excellence in Food Security)
🔹 Coordinator (West African Agriculture Productivity Programme – WAAPP, FUTA)
🔹 Researcher (EU-AU Capacity4Food Project & Integrated Soil Fertility Management, FUTA)

🌍 International Training & Collaborations:

Prof. Agele has undergone training in Nigeria, Belgium, Israel, and Germany, contributing to international agricultural research efforts.

🏅 Professional Memberships:

He is a member of various prestigious scientific organizations, including:
🔸 International Horticultural Science Society (HIS)
🔸 International Soil Conservation Organization
🔸 International & African Crop Science Society
🔸 Soil Science Society of Nigeria
🔸 Agricultural Society of Nigeria
🔸 International Society for Irrigation and Drainage
🔸 Urban Climate Research Group

📖 Publications & Research Impact:

Prof. Agele has authored several book chapters and journal articles, with notable contributions to:
Cacao agronomy & microclimate adaptation 🌱🍫
Smallholder irrigation & climate resilience 🚰🌾
Urban forestry & biochar applications 🌳🌍
Water management & drought stress mitigation 💧🌾
Climate change, food security & soil fertility management 🌎🌱

Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 1,510

  • Citations Since 2020: 670

  • h-index: 22

  • h-index Since 2020: 13

  • i10-index: 38

  • i10-index Since 2020: 19

Publication Top Notes:

  • Assessing Crop Model Improvements Through Comparison of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Simulation Models: A Case Study of West African Varieties
    FM Akinseye, M Adam, SO Agele, MP Hoffmann, PCS Traore, …
    Field Crops Research 201, 19-31 (2017)

  • Effects of Tillage and Mulching on the Growth, Development, and Yield of Late-Season Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) in the Humid South of Nigeria
    SO Agele, GO Iremiren, SO Ojeniyi
    The Journal of Agricultural Science 134 (1), 55-59 (2000)

  • Effects of Plant Density and Mulching on the Performance of Late-Season Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) in Southern Nigeria
    SO Agele, GO Iremiren, SO Ojeniyi
    The Journal of Agricultural Science 133 (4), 397-402 (1999)

  • Insecticidal Activity of Powders of Some Nigerian Plants Against the Maize Weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch)
    L Lajide, CO Adedire, WA Muse, SO Agele
    (1998)

  • Improving Sorghum Productivity Under Changing Climatic Conditions: A Modelling Approach
    FM Akinseye, HA Ajeigbe, PCS Traore, SO Agele, B Zemadim, …
    Field Crops Research 246, 107685 (2020)

  • Effects of Tillage and Manure Application on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Yield of Maize Grown on a Degraded Intensively Tilled Alfisol in Southwestern Nigeria
    AJ Adeyemo, SO Agele
    Journal of Soil Science and Environmental Management 1 (8), 205-216 (2010)

  • Evaluation of the Onset and Length of Growing Season to Define Planting Date: A Case Study for Mali (West Africa)
    FM Akinseye, SO Agele, PCS Traore, M Adam, AM Whitbread
    Theoretical and Applied Climatology 124, 973-983 (2016)

  • Effects of Some Soil Management Systems on Soil Physical Properties, Microbial Biomass, and Nutrient Distribution Under Rainfed Maize Production in a Humid Rainforest Alfisol
    SO Agele, BS Ewulo, IK Oyewusi
    Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 72, 121-134 (2005)

  • Effects of Synthetic Hormone Substitutes and Genotypes on Rooting and Mini Tuber Production of Vine Cuttings Obtained From White Yam (Dioscorea rotundata, Poir)
    SO Agele, TG Ayankanmi, H Kikuno
    African Journal of Biotechnology 9 (30), 4714-4724 (2010)

  • Effects of Watering Regimes on Aphid Infestation and Performance of Selected Varieties of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) in a Humid Rainforest Zone of Nigeria
    SO Agele, TI Ofuya, PO James
    Crop Protection 25 (1), 73-78 (2006)

  • Sunflower Responses to Weather Variations in Rainy and Dry Cropping Seasons in a Tropical Rainforest Zone
    SO Agele
    International Journal of Biotronics 32, 17-33 (2003)

  • Evapotranspiration, Water Use Efficiency, and Yield of Rainfed and Irrigated Tomato
    SO Agele, GO Iremiren, SO Ojeniyi
    International Journal of Agriculture & Biology 13 (4) (2011)

  • Organic Amendment of an Ultisol: Effects on Soil Properties, Growth, and Yield of Maize in Southern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria
    K Ogundare, S Agele, P Aiyelari
    International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture 1, 1-7 (2012)

  • Effects of Season of Sowing on Water Use and Yield of Tomato in the Humid South of Nigeria
    SO Agele, A Olufayo, GO Iremiren
    African Crop Science Society (2002)

  • Effect of Some Mulch Materials on Soil Physical Properties, Growth, and Yield of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
    SO Agele, JB Olaore, FA Akinbode
    Advances in Environmental Biology, 368-376 (2010)

  • Effects of Variety and Row Spacing on Radiation Interception, Partitioning of Dry Matter, and Seed Set Efficiency in Late-Season Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
    SO Agele, IO Maraiyesa, IA Adeniji (2007)

  • Agricultural Wastes and Mineral Fertilizer on Soil and Plant Nutrient Status, Growth, and Yield of Tomato
    SO Agele, AJ Adeyemo, IB Famuwagun
    Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science 57 (1), 91-104 (2011)

  • Ability of Ovipositing Callosobruchus maculatus Females to Discriminate Between Seeds Bearing Their Own Eggs and Those Bearing Eggs of Other Females
    T Ofuya, S Agele (1989)

  • Effects of Spent Engine Oil Polluted Soil and Organic Amendment on Soil Chemical Properties, Microflora, and Growth of Telfairia occidentalis (Hook f.)
    AU Osaigbovo, KE Law-Ogbomo, SO Agele
    Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences 6 (1), 72-78 (2013)

  • Effects of Shade on Microclimate, Canopy Characteristics, and Light Integrals in Dry Season Field-Grown Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Seedlings
    S Agele, B Famuwagun, A Ogunleye
    Journal of Horticultural Sciences 11 (1), 47-56 (2016)

 

 

Girma Ganebo | farmers | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr Girma Ganebo | farmers |  Best Researcher Award

Assistant professor at  Wolaita Sodo University ,  Ethiopia

Dr. Girma Gata Ganebo is an Ethiopian scholar and development expert specializing in Agricultural Economics and Development Economics. He was born in Wolaita/Shanto and is currently based in Boditi, Ethiopia.

Profile:

🔹 Academic Background 🎓

  • Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics – Wolaita Sodo University (2013-2017)
  • MA in Development Economics – Arba Minch University (2007-2008)
  • BA in Economics – Arba Minch University (1997-2000)
  • Diploma in Geography – Awasa College of Teachers Education (1995-1997)

🔹 Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Girma has held various leadership and research roles in economic development, finance, and urban infrastructure projects, including:

  • Senior Secondary School Teacher (1998)
  • Head of Economic Development, Population & Statistics Division – Damot Pulasa District (1999-2001)
  • Executive Manager – Shanto Town Municipality (2002)
  • Head of Finance & Economic Development Office – Damot Pulasa District (2004-2006)
  • Senior M&E Officer – Wolaita Zone Urban & Construction Development Department (2009-2017)

🔹 Skills & Research Contributions 📊

  • Expertise in economic development, project evaluation, and impact assessment
  • Proficient in data analysis tools (SPSS, STATA, R, E-Views)
  • Conducted studies on climate change risk mitigation and economic sustainability
  • Consultancy services in business and investment

🔹 Languages & Training 🌍

  • Fluent in English, Amharic, and Wolaitagna
  • Certified in strategic communication, finance, leadership, and strategic planning

Publication:

  • Can asset accumulation weigh the welfare status of mung bean farmers in lowland areas of South Ethiopia?