Google Scholar
Early Academic Pursuits
Professor Pabitra Banik laid a strong academic foundation in agricultural sciences. He earned his B.Sc. (Ag.) Hons. from Kanpur University in 1985, graduating with First Class. Following this, he pursued a M.Sc. (Ag.) in Agronomy at Calcutta University, completing it in 1988 (result declared in 1988), again securing First Class. He continued his academic journey with a Ph.D. in Agronomy from Calcutta University, where he specialized in rice-based cropping systems, completing the research work between 1989 and 1996. This progression reflects a focused and in-depth engagement with agronomic systems, particularly in rice-based agriculture—laying the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to ecological and agricultural research.
Professional Endeavors
Professor Banik began his academic career as a Lecturer in April 1999 in the Agricultural Science Unit of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata. His professional trajectory has been marked by steady and meritorious growth. He was promoted to Assistant Professor in December 2004, then to Associate Professor in April 2009, and finally to the prestigious rank of Professor in July 2014, within the Agricultural and Ecological Research Unit (AERU) of ISI. Over his distinguished career spanning more than two decades, he has contributed significantly to interdisciplinary research integrating agriculture, ecology, and data science.
Contributions and Research Focus
Professor Banik’s research covers a spectrum of pressing environmental and agricultural issues, particularly arsenic contamination in rice cultivation, soil quality improvement, land-use modeling, and sustainable dryland management. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of soil–plant–microbe interactions, particularly within the Indian Sundarbans and West Bengal dryland ecosystems. His recent work on halotolerant bacteria, rainwater harvesting site suitability, and biochar application for carbon sequestration reflects an interdisciplinary approach that blends agronomy, geoinformatics, and environmental science. Professor Banik is also at the forefront of using machine learning models for predicting arsenic levels in rice grains, showcasing his adaptability to cutting-edge techniques.
Impact and Influence
Professor Banik’s scholarly influence is evident from his prolific publication record, with numerous research articles in high-impact journals like Environmental Pollution, Scientific Reports, Environmental Technology & Innovation, PLOS One, and Journal of Environmental Management. His 2019 meta-analysis on biochar and soil carbon sequestration has been particularly impactful, accumulating 169 citations, a testament to its importance in environmental sustainability literature. Many of his publications are frequently cited, demonstrating his strong academic footprint in agroecological and environmental research. His role as a corresponding author in many works also reflects leadership in collaborative scientific inquiries.
Technical Skills
Professor Banik exhibits strong technical proficiency in GIS and Remote Sensing, statistical modeling, multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), meta-analysis techniques, and the application of machine learning models in environmental and agricultural data interpretation. His ability to apply Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), geoinformatics, and Multi-Influencing Factor (MIF) techniques in water and land-use management demonstrates an advanced understanding of interdisciplinary tools for solving complex ecological challenges.
Teaching Experience
With more than 25 years of academic service at ISI Kolkata, Professor Banik has played an integral role in mentoring postgraduate students and guiding doctoral research. His long-standing association with AERU has allowed him to shape curricula, supervise dissertations, and integrate real-world data-driven methodologies into the learning environment. Through his teaching, he has significantly contributed to capacity-building in agricultural statistics, environmental modeling, and sustainable farming systems.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Professor Banik’s legacy lies in his sustained commitment to eco-agronomic problem-solving using both traditional and contemporary methodologies. His work on arsenic remediation strategies, dryland resource optimization, and application of technology in agriculture holds practical implications for climate-resilient farming, soil health restoration, and food safety. Looking forward, he is poised to continue contributing to interdisciplinary collaborations, refining models that address the complex interactions between agriculture and climate change. His research is expected to inform both policy and practice in the years ahead, especially in vulnerable agroecosystems like the Sundarbans and Eastern India.
Publications
Halotolerant bacteria isolated from the soils of Indian mangrove ecosystem for metal removal and NPK enhancement
- Authors: Mitra, Sreemoyee; Dey, Joyeta; Sarkar, Sutripta; Banik, Pabitra*
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2025
Insights into the comparison of machine learning models on rice grain arsenic prediction: Interplay of rice cultivation systems and soil environmental factors
- Authors: Majumder, Supriya; Banik, Pabitra
Journal: Environmental Pollution
Year: 2025
Desertification of Bengal Dryland Areas Possible under Projected Climate Conditions
- Authors: Bera, Kartic; Michelle, Newcomer; Banik, Pabitra
Journal: Mausam
Year: 2024
Meta-analyses of arsenic accumulation in Indica and Japonica rice grains
- Authors: Das, Susmita; Ghosh, Abhik; Powell, Michael A.; Banik, Pabitra
Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Year: 2023
Groundwater recharge site suitability analysis through multi-influencing factors (MIF) in West Bengal dry-land areas, West Bengal, India
- Authors: Bera, Kartik; Michelle, Newcomer; Banik, Pabitra
Journal: Acta Geochimica
Year: 2022