Umesh Khadka | Urban Agriculture | Best Paper Award

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Mr. Umesh Khadka | Urban Agriculture | Best Paper Award

Tribhuvan University | Nepal

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👨‍🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Umesh Khadka was born on 30 August 1985 in Itahari, Sunsari, Nepal. His academic journey began with a strong focus on Economics and Education, completing his SLC in 2059 BS and advancing through +2 (HSEB), B.A., B.Ed., and M.A. in Economics from Tribhuvan University. He furthered his scholarly endeavors by completing an MPhil in Economics from NOU in 2075 BS, earning an impressive GPA of 3.60 (Grade A-), signaling academic excellence and readiness for advanced research.

💼 Professional Endeavors

With more than 12 years of teaching experience, Mr. Khadka has become a cornerstone of economic education in Nepal. His professional milestones include:

  • 🎓 12 years teaching Economics at Tribhuvan University’s Janta Multiple Campus in BBS and BA programs.

  • 🧑‍🏫 8 years instructing Business Economics at the MBS postgraduate level, TU.

  • 🌐 6 years teaching BBA and MBA programs at Green Peace Lincoln College, affiliated with Lincoln University College, Malaysia.

  • 🏫 Over 12 years teaching at +2 level, mentoring thousands of students.

His dedication to teaching both theoretical foundations and real-world applications has shaped countless minds in the fields of economics and business.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Mr. Khadka’s academic contributions extend beyond the classroom:

  • Participated in over 10 professional training programs covering:

    • SPSS, STATA, ArcGIS, and Python for data analysis

    • Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies

    • Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)

    • Academic writing and curriculum development

  • His research primarily focuses on Business Economics, Applied Econometrics, and Economic Sustainability.

🗂️ Academic Paper Presentations

Mr. Khadka has demonstrated his scholarly insight through national and international platforms:

  1. 📝 Presented a paper at the International Conference on Paradigm Shift in Economics, Business Practices and Sustainability, India (Nov 2022).

  2. 📝 Delivered a paper at CAICE-2023, part of CEDECON’s Annual International Conference in Economics (Sept 2023), organized by the Central Department of Economics.

These engagements signify his growing footprint in academic discourse and collaborative research.

📖 Academic Cites

While detailed citations and published works were not provided, Mr. Khadka’s active participation in international conferences and academic workshops shows his intent to contribute significantly to peer-reviewed literature in the coming years. His work is expected to appear in forthcoming national and international economic research platforms.

💻 Technical Skills

Mr. Khadka has built technical competence across various tools essential for modern research:

  • 📊 SPSS, STATA, EViews – Statistical data analysis

  • 🗺️ ArcGIS – Spatial data visualization and analysis

  • 🐍 Python – Programming for data management and modeling

  • 🧠 Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) – Advanced modeling technique

  • ✍️ Academic writing – With training for publication-level standards

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

His teaching spans undergraduate to postgraduate levels, encompassing:

  • Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Business Economics, Quantitative Techniques, and Research Methodology.

  • In-depth syllabus design, evaluation methodology, and student mentorship for BA, BBS, MBA, and MBS programs.

He has played a vital role in updating curricula, participating in faculty development workshops, and mentoring new educators.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Mr. Umesh Khadka stands as a dedicated educator, researcher, and lifelong learner. His journey is marked by:

  • Consistency in academic service

  • Vision for research-led teaching

  • Pursuit of skill enhancement

  • Strong engagement in international academic platforms

🚀 Going forward, he aims to contribute to policy-relevant economic research, author academic publications, and mentor future economists in Nepal and beyond.

📖Publications

 Enhancing agricultural productivity through improved fertilizer accessibility: insights from a contingent valuation study in Eastern Nepal
  • Authors: Umesh Khadka, Niranjan Devkota, Ghanashyam Khanal, Tek Maraseni, Puspa Raj Ghimire
    Journal: Agriculture & Food Security
    Year: 2025
Does joint land ownership empower rural women socio-economically? Evidence from Eastern Nepal
  • Authors: Puspa Raj Ghimire, Niranjan Devkota, Tek Maraseni, Ghanashyam Khanal, Jagat Deuja, Umesh Khadka
    Journal: Land Use Policy
    Year: 2024
 Willingness to Pay for Improved Solid Waste Management in Itahari, Sunsari, Nepal
  • Author: Umesh Khadka
    Journal: Economic Journal of Nepal
    Year: 2023

VP Chaudhary | Precision Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. VP Chaudhary | Precision Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

ICAR – Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering | India

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👤 Professional Summary

Dr. V. P. Chaudhary is Principal Scientist and Head of the Agricultural Mechanization Division at ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal, since June 2023. With over 22 years of research and academic experience, he previously served at ICAR-IIFSR, Modipuram. He specializes in Farm Machinery & Power Engineering, focusing on climate-smart agriculture, crop residue management, small farm mechanization, and gender-friendly tools.

🎓 Education

He completed his M.Tech. and Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering from G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand.

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Chaudhary has led 20+ national-level research projects worth over ₹780 lakhs. He trained more than 2000 farmers and organized several training programs for professionals, including summer schools, short courses, and model training courses. He has held advisory roles, served on academic boards, and acted as an external expert for faculty recruitment across institutions.

📚 Academic Citations

  • 📈 Total Citations: 906

  • 🔢 h-index: 13 | i10-index: 15

  • 🌐 Google Scholar profile includes 45+ peer-reviewed papers, with publications in top journals such as Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, Journal of Environmental Management, and Soil & Tillage Research.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Expertise in design and development of farm machinery, resource conservation tools, laser land leveling, energy use in agriculture, and digital technologies like AI, IoT, robotics, sensors, and precision farming.

👨‍🏫 Teaching & Training Experience

Dr. Chaudhary has served as examiner and academic board member for B.Tech., M.Tech., and Ph.D. programs in multiple universities. He organized numerous trainings for academicians, extension officers, and farmers, including 21-day, 10-day, and 8-day certified courses and field-level programs.

🔬 Research Interests

  • Farm Mechanization for Smallholders

  • Climate Smart Agriculture

  • Crop Residue Management

  • Digital & Precision Agriculture

  • Gender-Friendly and Ergonomic Tools

  • Conservation Agriculture Technologies

🏆 Achievements & Awards

He has received 9 major awards, including:

  • Fellow of The Institution of Engineers (India)

  • Life Time Achievement Award (ICNSFS–2024)

  • Distinguished Scientist Award (Thailand, 2019)

  • Best Paper & Poster Presentation Awards (TIAS, EcoAspect, etc.)

🌍 International Exposure

He has represented India in professional visits and trainings in USA, Israel, and Bangladesh. Attended specialized courses on sensor applications, agricultural engineering R&D, and conservation technologies.

📖Publications

Relevance of climatological information on spatial and temporal variability of Indian Summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) in recent El Niño years and its impact on four important …
  • Authors: N. Subash, D. Dutta, P.C. Ghasal, P. Punia, V.P. Mandal, V.P. Chaudhary
    Journal: Climate Services
    Year: 2023
 Weed management in direct sown rice
  • Authors: D.K. Pandey, K.S. Gangwar, V.P. Chaudhry
    Journal: ORYZA – An International Journal on Rice
    Year: 2009
 Agri‐biomass‐based bio‐energy supply model: An inclusive sustainable and circular economy approach for a self‐resilient rural India
  • Authors: V.P. Chaudhary, R. Chandra, D.M. Denis, T.C. D’Silva, A. Isha
    Journal: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining
    Year: 2022
Impact of long-term residue burning versus retention on soil organic carbon sequestration under a rice-wheat cropping system
  • Authors: A. Dutta, R. Bhattacharyya, V.P. Chaudhary, C. Sharma, C.P. Nath, S.N. Kumar, …
    Journal: Soil and Tillage Research
    Year: 2022
Potentials and Challenges of Biogas Upgradation as Liquid Biomethane
  • Authors: R.C.E.A.I.S.K.S.A.K.P.M.V.S.V.K.V.A.K.C., V.P. Chaudhary
    Journal: Biogas Production (Book Chapter)
    Year: 2021

Rattan Lal | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Rattan Lal | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

The Ohio State University | United States

Author Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Lal earned his B.Sc. in Agriculture (1963) from PAU, India, followed by an M.Sc. in Soils (1965) from IARI, New Delhi. He completed his Ph.D. in Soils (1968) at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA. He has received multiple honorary doctorates from globally recognized institutions, underscoring his academic impact.

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Lal has served in numerous high-impact roles, including Director of the Carbon Management and Sequestration Center (OSU), Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board for the U.S. Department of Defense (2023–2024), and Member of the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development (BIFAD, 2022–2025). He has held academic and research positions across continents—India, Australia, Nigeria, Germany, and the USA. He is also affiliated with institutions such as the UNCCD, IUSS, and IFDC and continues to influence global soil and environmental policy through advisory roles.

🏛️ Academic and Scientific Citations

Dr. Lal has been Editor-in-Chief of Advances in Soil Science, Encyclopedia of Soil Science, and Soil & Tillage Research. He has authored or co-authored thousands of scientific papers and reports, contributing to major IPCC assessments and global initiatives like “4 per Thousand.” His citation metrics place him among the top-ranked agricultural scientists globally.

🧪 Technical Skills

Expertise in soil physics, carbon sequestration, climate change mitigation, sustainable land management, agroecology, and nutrient cycling. He is proficient in both field and lab-based methodologies, modeling carbon fluxes, and advising on large-scale environmental assessments.

🎓 Teaching Experience

A lifelong educator, Dr. Lal has taught soil science at The Ohio State University since 1989, mentoring countless graduate students and researchers worldwide. He has served as an Adjunct Professor at several institutions, including the Indian Agricultural Research Institute and the University of Iceland, influencing agricultural education across borders.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Lal’s research spans soil health, soil carbon dynamics, climate change adaptation and mitigation, food security, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable agriculture. His interdisciplinary approach connects soil science with climate resilience, human health, and global development.

📖Publications

INTEGRATION OF COMPOST WITH MINERAL NPK FERTILIZERS FOR IMPROVING WHEAT YIELD AND SOIL HEALTH

  • Authors: Abdul A. Basir, Sikandar S. Iqbal, Muhammad M. Adnan, Zeki Z. Erden, Ayman El A.E. Sabagh

  • Journal: Pakistan Journal of Botany

  • Year: 2025

No-till systems restore soil organic carbon stock in Brazilian biomes and contribute to the climate solution

  • Authors: João Carlos De Moraes J.C.D.M. Sá, Rattan A. R.A. Lal, Klaus E. K.E. Lorenz, Daniel Ruiz Potma D.R.P. Gonçalves, Jeankleber J. Bortoluzzi

  • Journal: Science of the Total Environment

  • Year: 2025

Soil organic carbon stock for carbon credit in smallholder farms

  • Authors: Toru T. Nakajima, Fune F. Mizumoto, Mei M. Akiyama, Carla C. Gavilán, Rattan A. R.A. Lal

  • Journal: Agrosystems, Geosciences and Environment

  • Year: 2025

Restoring Soil Organic Matter Content for Managing Soil Health in Africa’s Agroecoregions

  • Author: Rattan A. R.A. Lal

  • Journal: Egyptian Journal of Soil Science

  • Year: 2025

Effects of biochar and cover crops on physical properties of two soils in Ohio

  • Authors: Sandhya S. Karki, Raj Kumar R.K. Shrestha, Rattan A. R.A. Lal, Klaus E. K.E. Lorenz, Laura E. L.E. Lindsey

  • Journal: Soil Science Society of America Journal

  • Year: 2025

Kakhuangailiu Gangmei | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kakhuangailiu Gangmei | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre, India

Author Profile

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🌟  Suitable for this Best Researcher Award

​Dr. Kakhuangailiu Gangmei is a distinguished researcher in microbiology, specializing in soil bacteria, vector biology, and biological control of vectors. Her groundbreaking work has significantly advanced the understanding of bacterial strains for vector control and industrial applications. Dr. Gangmei’s innovative research and dedication make her an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award.​

🎓 Education 

Dr. Gangmei earned her Ph.D. in Zoology in September 2024. Her doctoral research focused on microbiology, particularly bacterial isolation, identification, and characterization. She has developed expertise in genomic DNA extraction, microbiological techniques, and next-generation sequencing. Dr. Gangmei is proficient in bioinformatics tools such as BV-BRC, MEGA-X, Proksee-Genome analysis, MEROPS, BioEdit, and Mob-recon for genomic analysis. Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in soil science and related fields.​

 💼  Professional Experience

Dr. Gangmei is currently associated with the ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre. She has published 16 articles in esteemed journals, with four as the first author. Her recent publication on the Whole Genome Sequence of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis VCRC-B650 in Springer Nature highlights her significant contributions to microbiology. Additionally, Dr. Gangmei has reviewed articles for Springer Nature Journals, demonstrating her active engagement in the scientific community. She is a member of the Society of Vector Ecology and the Indian Science Congress.​

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

In 2022, Dr. Gangmei received the “Award for Excellence in Research” from EET CRS, recognizing her outstanding contributions to microbiology and soil science. Her work has garnered 24 citations, reflecting the impact of her research in the scientific community. With an h-index of 3, Dr. Gangmei’s publications demonstrate both quality and influence. Her dedication and innovative research have established her as a leading figure in her field.​

🌍Research skills On Soil Science

Dr. Gangmei’s research skills encompass bacterial isolation, identification, and characterization, with a focus on soil bacteria and vector biology. She is adept at genomic DNA extraction, microbiological techniques, and next-generation sequencing. Her proficiency in bioinformatics tools such as BV-BRC, MEGA-X, Proksee-Genome analysis, MEROPS, BioEdit, and Mob-recon enables her to conduct comprehensive genomic analyses. Dr. Gangmei’s expertise contributes significantly to advancements in biological control of vectors and soil microbiology.​

📖Publications

“Isolation of Bacillus thuringiensis serovar israelensis VCRC-B650 from Indian clay soil with enhanced mosquitocidal activity and dehairing property”
  • Authors: Kakhuangailiu Gangmei, Jibi Lukose, Abhisubesh Vijayakumar, Hemaladkshmi Padmanaban, Sahadiya Mandodan, Bhagyashree Bora, Manikandan Sivaprakasam, Aneha Kunnikuruvan, Mathivanan Ashokkumar, Vijayakumar Balakrishnan, Geetha Irudayaraj, Poopathi Subbiah​
  • Journal: BioControl​
  • Year: 2025
“A review on vector borne diseases and various strategies to control mosquito vectors”
  • Authors: Kakhuangailiu Gangmei, Bhagyashree Bora, Sahadiya Mandodan, V. Abhisubesh, K. Aneha, S. Manikandan, Jibi Lukose, M. Ashokkumar, S. Poopathi​
  • Journal: Indian Journal of Entomology​
  • Year: 2024
“A New Aqueous Formulation from Indigenously Isolated Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis VCRC B646 for Mosquito Control”
  • Authors: A. Vijayakumar, S. Mandodan, K. Aneha, K. Gangmei, H. Padmanaban, B. Bora, S. Manikandan, J. Lukose, M. Ashokkumar, S. Poopathi
  • Journal: Indian Journal of Entomology​
  • Year: 2024
“Applications of nanomaterials in mosquito vector control: a review”
  • Authors: Sahadiya Mandodan, Aneha Kunnikuruvan, Bhagyashree Bora, Hemaladkshmi Padmanaban, Abhisubesh Vijayakumar, Kakhuangailiu Gangmei, Manikandan Sivaprakasam, Jibi Lukose, Mathivanan Ashokkumar, Vijayalakshmi Krishnamoorthy, Subbiah Poopathi​
  • Journal: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine​
  • Year: 2023
“Isolation of a novel mosquitocidal bacterium Bacillus cereus VCRC-641 from fresh water fish Clarias batrachus”
  • Authors: S. Manikandan, Jibi Lukose, P. Hemaladkshmi, Bhagyashree Bora, V. Abhisubesh, K. Gangmei, Aneha Kunnikuruvan, S. Poopathi​
  • Journal: Indian Journal of Entomology​
  • Year: 2022​

Siddu Basavaraj Chindi | Plant Breeding | Best Scholar Award

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Dr. Siddu Basavaraj Chindi | Plant Breeding | Best Scholar Award

ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, INDIA

Suitable for this Research for Best Scholar Award

Dr. Siddu Basavaraj Chindi is a highly accomplished researcher in the field of Genetics and Plant Breeding, with a strong academic record, significant research contributions, and multiple recognitions. His doctoral research on maize improvement and his involvement in high-impact collaborative projects make him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Scholar Award under the International Plant Scientist Awards.

Author Profile

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🎓 Education 

Dr. Siddu Basavaraj Chindi has an outstanding academic background in genetics and plant breeding. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore, with a CGPA of 9.48, focusing on maize hybrid improvement through genetic analysis. His M.Sc. in Genetics and Plant Breeding (CGPA 9.45) from UAS, Bangalore, involved assessing the breeding potential of MAGIC populations in chilli. He completed his B.Sc. in Agriculture from UAS, Dharwad, with a CGPA of 9.17, earning a gold medal for academic excellence. His academic journey showcases a strong foundation in plant breeding techniques, molecular markers, and field-based research. His expertise is further strengthened by his CSIR Fellowship award, which ranked him among the top 1% of candidates nationwide. His commitment to scientific excellence is reflected in his continuous contributions to crop improvement and genetic advancements.

 💼  Professional Experience

Dr. Siddu Basavaraj Chindi is currently a Junior Research Fellow at ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, contributing to the DBT-funded India-Netherlands collaboration on tomato germplasm adaptation. He has worked extensively on genomic selection and hybrid breeding, focusing on maize, chilli, and tomato. His doctoral research identified elite inbred lines harboring favorable alleles and validated breeding populations for maize hybrid improvement. During his Master’s, he assessed the breeding potential of MAGIC populations in chilli. His experience includes developing heterotic groups, marker-assisted selection, and genomic tools for breeding. He is an active member of professional societies like the Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding. With multiple high-impact publications, Dr. Chindi is committed to agricultural innovation and improving crop resilience against abiotic stresses.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Dr. Siddu Basavaraj Chindi has received numerous accolades for his academic and research contributions. He was awarded the CSIR Fellowship with a 98.02 percentile score, placing him among the top 1% of candidates. He earned gold medals for his M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees, recognizing his outstanding academic performance. His research on maize and chilli breeding has received national and international recognition. He has been actively involved in collaborative research projects funded by prestigious organizations such as DBT and ICAR. Dr. Chindi’s work has been published in leading journals, including Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, Euphytica, and Scientific Reports. His contributions to plant breeding, especially in developing stress-tolerant crop varieties, have positioned him as a rising scientist in the field. His dedication to innovation continues to earn him recognition within the global scientific community.

🌍Research skill On Plant Breeding

Dr. Siddu Basavaraj Chindi possesses expertise in plant breeding techniques, genomic selection, and marker-assisted breeding. His research focuses on improving hybrid performance, identifying fertility restorers in chilli, and enhancing maize breeding through molecular markers. He is proficient in advanced statistical tools, QTL mapping, and genetic diversity analysis. His work on abiotic stress tolerance, particularly high-temperature resilience in tomato and maize, has led to significant contributions in crop improvement. He collaborates internationally on projects involving adaptive breeding strategies for climate resilience. His expertise in doubled haploid (DH) technology, omics approaches, and genomic prediction enhances breeding efficiency. Dr. Chindi’s research integrates molecular and field-based approaches, ensuring practical applications in agricultural sustainability. His ability to bridge traditional and modern breeding techniques makes him a valuable contributor to the field of plant science.

📖Publications

Validation of predicted type of breeding population (F2/backcross), and prediction and validation of the performance of F2 and backcross derived testcross hybrids in maize (Zea mays L.)

  • Authors: Chindi Basavaraj Siddu, Sampangi Ramesh, Mugali Pundalik Kalpana, Gonal Basanagouda, Hosakoti Sathish, Narayanaswami Karthik, Rath Bidwan, Munegowda Kemparaju, Dinesh Sindhu, Venkatesh Prashantha et al.

  • Journal: Euphytica

  • Year: 2025

Discovery and validation of SSR marker-based QTL governing fresh pod yield in dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet)

  • Authors: Basanagouda Gonal, Ramesh Sampangi, Kalpana Pundalik Mugali, Siddu Basavaraj Chindi, B. R. Chandana, H. Satish, V. Prashantha, N. Karthik, D. Sindhu, M. Kemparaju et al.

  • Journal: Scientific Reports

  • Year: 2025

Identification of inbred lines harbouring favourable dominant alleles not present in the parents of three elite maize (Zea mays L.) single cross hybrids

  • Authors: Chindi Basavaraj Siddu, Sampangi Ramesh, Mugali Pundalik Kalpana, Gonal Basanagouda, Hosakoti Sathish, Suryavanshi Aniketh, Narayanaswami Karthik, Dinesh Sindhu, Munegowda Kemparaju, Rotti Kirankumar et al.

  • Journal: Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution

  • Year: 2024

DNA marker-assisted identification of promising exotic advanced breeding lines as pollen fertility restorers and their validation based on field and laboratory assayable traits in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

  • Authors: Channabasava, Prasad Ganesh, Chindi Basavaraj Siddu, Balaraju Susmitha, Annabatula Mohan Rao, Sampangi Ramesh

  • Journal: Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution

  • Year: 2023

A non-synonymous SNP in homolog of BADH2 gene is associated with fresh pod fragrance in dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus var. lignosus (Prain) Kumari)

  • Authors: Gonal Basanagouda, Sampangi Ramesh, Chindi Basavaraj Siddu, Basalapura Rangegowda Chandana, Mugali Pundalik Kalpana, Kirankumar Rotti, Hosakoti Sathish

  • Journal: Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution

  • Year: 2023