Suitable for this Best Researcher Award
Dr. Rishi Kumar exemplifies excellence in Crop Science research, particularly in Entomology. With over 75 publications, two patents, 11 developed technologies, and the design of a unique whitefly suction trap, his innovations have significantly advanced cotton pest management. His leadership in tackling the mealybug outbreak and whitefly epidemics, combined with resistance monitoring in Bt cotton zones, highlights his scientific foresight. He has coordinated over 31 projects, educated thousands through 470+ lectures, and directly influenced farming outcomes across India. His research has resulted in the release of actionable technologies by ICAR and transformed whitefly management strategies nationally. Dr. Kumar is not only an innovator but also a mentor and educator, shaping India’s agricultural resilience.
Education
Dr. Rishi Kumar’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Agriculture (1991), followed by an M.Sc. in Entomology (1994), and culminated in a Ph.D. in Entomology (1999) from CCS Haryana Agricultural University. A recipient of the ICAR Fellowship, Merit Scholarship, and CSIR-SRF Fellowship, his academic distinction laid a strong foundation for an impactful research career. His doctoral work set the stage for pest management innovation, focusing on sustainable entomological solutions in agriculture. His deep-rooted academic background empowers his scientific contributions to crop protection.
Professional Experience
Starting as a Research Associate at CCSHAU Hisar (1998-2000), Dr. Kumar advanced as Assistant Professor at PAU, Bathinda (2000-2007). He then joined ICAR-CICR as a Senior Scientist (2007-2013), where he rose to Principal Scientist (2013-present) and Head (I/c) of the Sirsa Regional Station. As Principal Investigator in AICRP Cotton Entomology, he has led key national projects on pest resistance, Bt cotton, and whitefly outbreaks. His field-to-lab approach, interdisciplinary research collaborations, and farmer-oriented innovations have transformed crop protection protocols.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Kumar’s excellence is acknowledged by several prestigious awards:
🏆 Scientist of the Year Award – 2024 (CRDA, CCS HAU)
🎖️ Scientist Award – 2020 (Dr. Vasanthraj David Foundation)
🎓 Alumni Award from United States India Educational Foundation (USIEF)
🥇 CSIR-SRF Fellowship (1996)
📢 Best Oral and Poster Presentation Awards (08)
His international training at Cornell University and editorial appointments further highlight his global outlook and academic influence. His work has been institutionalized into ICAR technologies, proving national significance.
Dr. Kumar excels in integrated pest management, entomological resistance screening, agro-biotech innovation, and cotton ecosystem resilience. His research introduced novel monitoring techniques such as F2 screening, moving sticky traps, and patented traps for whitefly control. He pioneered refuge-in-bag (RIB) effectiveness trials and established resistance monitoring protocols in Bt cotton zones. His skills bridge high-level molecular biology with on-field impact, enabling multi-zonal pest forecasting and sustainable protection methods. Dr. Kumar’s command over stakeholder engagement, policy contributions, and eco-agricultural solutions make him a well-rounded research leader.
Publications
Resistance development in pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella Saunders) against Bt cotton and its establishment as mid-season pest in India
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Authors: Rishi R. Kumar, B. V. Bhede, Debashis Paul, Suhas Jadhav, Arkalgud H. Prakash, Yenumula G. Prasad
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Journal: Scientific Reports
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Year: 2025
Evaluation of transgenic cotton lines expressing an insecticidal fern protein against whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)
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Authors: Rishi R. Kumar, Vishlesh S. Nagrare, Vivek Shah, Ashok K. Mishra, Vijay N. Waghmare, Yenumula G. Prasad
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Journal: Journal of Cotton Research
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Year: 2025
Field estimates of current and predicted cotton yield loss due to pink bollworm and boll rot in India
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Authors: Babasaheb B. Fand, Vivek Shah, Dipak T. Nagrale, Kirit R. Ghelani, Gajanan T. Behere, Yenumula G. Prasad
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Journal: Agricultural Systems
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Year: 2025
Pink Bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) Infestation Escalates from Incipient to Serious Proportions in North Cotton Zone of India
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Authors: Rishi R. Kumar, Debashis Paul, Satish K. Sain, Vijay S. Nagrare, Rupinder S. Cheema, Yenumula G. Prasad
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Journal: Journal of Crop Health
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Year: 2025