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:

πŸŽ“ 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%

πŸ› οΈ 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

πŸ“… Service Record at PAU:

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

  • Assistant Professor: 1986–1992

  • Agronomist: 1992–2000

  • Senior Agronomist: 2000–2014

πŸ›οΈ 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)

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ« 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 β€œEarn While You Learn” scheme

  • Served as external examiner for 5 universities

  • Participated in selection committees for various state and national appointments

πŸ”¬ 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

πŸ“’ 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

πŸ† 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

Bejoysekhar Datta | Sustainable Crop Production Systems | BioAgri Innovator Excellence Award

Bejoysekhar Datta | Sustainable Crop Production Systems | BioAgri Innovator Excellence Award

Dr Bejoysekhar Datta, University of Kalyani, India

Dr. Bejoysekhar Datta is an Associate Professor in the Department of Botany at the University of Kalyani, specializing in plant pathology and mycology. He completed his Ph.D. at Bose Institute, focusing on the phylogeny of bacteria from Cicer arietinum. With over a decade of teaching experience, Dr. Datta has contributed significantly to sustainable agriculture through research on bioinoculants and bioremediation techniques. He is a member of esteemed organizations like the Indian Mycological Society and has led several innovative research projects. His dedication to education and research positions him as a strong candidate for the BioAgri Innovator Excellence Award. πŸŒ±πŸ”¬πŸ“šπŸŒπŸ†

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Academics

Dr. Bejoysekhar Datta has a distinguished academic background in life sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in 2010 from Bose Institute, Kolkata (University of Calcutta), focusing on the phylogeny of a bacterium from Cicer arietinum and its siderophore biosynthesis. He obtained his M.Sc. in Botany, specializing in Mycology and Plant Pathology, from the University of Calcutta in 2001. His undergraduate studies culminated in a B.Sc. from Presidency College (University of Calcutta) in 1999, with honors in Botany and a general study in Zoology and Chemistry. He also holds a B.Ed. in Life Science from the University of Calcutta, awarded in 2003. πŸŽ“πŸŒΏπŸ”¬πŸ“š

Position and Employment

Dr. Bejoysekhar Datta has an extensive career in academia, currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Botany at the University of Kalyani since September 29, 2020. Prior to this role, he was an Assistant Professor at the same institution from January 19, 2011, to September 28, 2020. He began his teaching career as an Assistant Professor at Kashipur Micheal Madhusudan Mahavidhyalaya in Purulia, where he worked from August 29, 2008, to January 18, 2011. Dr. Datta also contributed as an Assistant Teacher at Chowgachha Panugopal High School in Chakdaha from October 12, 2007, to August 28, 2008. πŸŽ“πŸŒ±πŸ“šβœ¨

Honours and AwardsΒ 

Dr. Bejoysekhar Datta qualified for the National Eligibility Test (NET) in 2002, organized jointly by CSIR and UGC, earning a Junior Research Fellowship in Life Sciences under the UGC fellowship scheme. His academic accomplishments reflect his dedication to advancing research in botany and plant pathology. Dr. Datta is also a life member of the Indian Mycological Society in Kolkata and the Indian Phytopathological Society in New Delhi, showcasing his active involvement in the scientific community. These memberships enhance his networking opportunities and contribute to his commitment to promoting knowledge in mycology and plant health. πŸŽ“πŸŒ±πŸ“–πŸ”¬

Research Focus

Dr. Bejoysekhar Datta’s research primarily focuses on plant pathology, emphasizing the interactions between fungi and plants, particularly in sustainable agricultural practices. His work includes evaluating the efficacy of mycelia from edible fungi as bioinoculants to promote plant growth and combat fungal pathogens, such as Fusarium oxysporum. Additionally, he investigates multi-metal tolerance in fungi and their role in enhancing plant health. His studies on the phylogenetic analysis and toxigenic potential of fungal species associated with root diseases further contribute to understanding plant-microbe interactions, showcasing a commitment to improving agricultural sustainability and crop protection. πŸŒΏπŸ„πŸ”¬πŸŒ±

Symposia participated and paper presented

Dr. Bejoysekhar Datta has actively contributed to several prestigious symposiums, showcasing his expertise in plant pathology. He presented an invited lecture titled “Structural analyses of Fusarium solani Ξ²-tubulin protein to design novel tubulin-targeted antifungal compounds” at the National Symposium on β€œRole of Plant Pathology in Global Environment and Food Security” in March 2022. Additionally, he shared insights on “Taxonomy of Fusaria: an overview and current perspective” at the International Symposium on Nature, Microbes, and Society in February 2020. His research on carbendazim resistance in Fusarium oxysporum was highlighted at the 3rd Regional Science and Technology Congress in December 2018. πŸŒπŸŒ±πŸ”¬βœ¨

Publication Top Notes

Fungal antagonists of some plant pathogens

Fusarium oxysporum isolates showed varied benzimidazole fungicides sensitivity under low temperature and heavy metal stress

Synthetic, structural, spectral and DNA binding aspects of copper (II), nickel (II) and zinc (II) dimers of new carboxylate-based tripodal ligand

Conclusion

Dr. Bejoysekhar Datta is an exemplary candidate for the BioAgri Innovator Excellence Award. His work not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also promotes innovative solutions to pressing agricultural challenges.