Vinod Kumar S | Agricultural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Vinod Kumar S | Agricultural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi | India

Dr. Vinod Kumar S is a soil and water conservation engineer whose academic journey has led him through a B.Tech and M.Tech in Agricultural Engineering (with CGPAs of 7.64 and 9.25 respectively), culminating in a Ph.D. in Soil and Water Conservation Engineering (CGPA 8.13) from the ICAR-IARI New Delhi outreach campus. His research portfolio spans sensor-based vertical farming and aquaponic systems, IoT-driven precision drip irrigation and fertigation protocols, remote sensing and GIS for crop monitoring, and greenhouse automation. With published work including smart drip irrigation systems for horticultural crops and indoor aquaponics, his h-index stands at 4 with over 100 citations to date.Dr. Kumar has held positions such as Senior Research Fellow and Research Associate at ICAR-institutes, developing nano-sensors and cloud-based networks for real-time irrigation and innovative aquaponic solutions. His contributions have been recognised with awards including Best Oral Presentation and Best Poster at national conferences. He is passionate about enhancing water-nutrient productivity in sustainable agriculture through technology integration and concludes his research vision by aiming to bridge engineering innovation with agro-ecological resilience for food security.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Kumar, V., Singh, C. D., Rao, K. V. R., Kumar, M., Rajwade, Y. A., Babu, B., & Singh, K. (2023). Evaluation of IoT-based smart drip irrigation and ETc-based system for sweet corn. Smart Agricultural Technology, 5, 100248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atech.2023.100248

Singh, C. D., Rao, K. V., Kumar, M., Rajwade, Y. A., & Kumar, V. (2023). Development of a smart IoT-based drip irrigation system for precision farming. Irrigation and Drainage, 72(1), 21–37. https://doi.org/10.1002/ird.2734

Vinod Kumar, S., Singh, C. D., Rao, K. V. R., Rajwade, Y. A., Kumar, M., & Babu, B. (2025). IoT-based smart drip irrigation scheduling and wireless monitoring of microclimate in sweet corn crop under plastic mulching. Irrigation Science, 43(5), 1107–1126. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00271-024-00945-3

Kumar, S. V., Singh, C. D., & Upendar, K. (2020). Review on IoT-based precision irrigation system in agriculture. Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology, 39(45), 15–26. https://doi.org/10.9734/cjast/2020/v39i4531148

Bhat, A. G., Hasan, M., Singh, D. K., Sahoo, R. N., Yeasin, M., & Vinod, K. S. (2025). Design, development and testing of an IoT-based smart vertical hydroponic system for optimized nutrient management in a controlled environment. Irrigation and Drainage. https://doi.org/10.1002/ird.70105

Suryakanta Khandai | Food Security | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Suryakanta Khandai | Food Security | Best Researcher Award

International Rice Research Institute | India

Dr. Suryakanta Khandai is a Senior Associate Scientist at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), South Asia Regional Centre, specializing in mechanization and postharvest research with over a decade of professional experience in agricultural engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, preceded by M.Tech. and B.Tech. degrees in Agricultural Engineering, and has significantly contributed to sustainable intensification, mechanization strategies, and postharvest technology innovations. His research interests include farm mechanization, residue management, climate-smart agriculture, postharvest systems, and value-chain development. He has authored more than 35 research papers, several books, book chapters, and training modules, with over 650 citations, an H-index of 6, and an i10-index of 3, reflecting his scholarly impact. Dr. Khandai has been instrumental in developing farm implements, IT-based tools, and business models such as Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) that enhance farmer access to mechanization. He has collaborated in projects supported by World Bank, USAID, and ICAR, strengthening agricultural productivity and farmer resilience across South Asia. His contributions have been recognized with the Scientist of the Year Award and Young Scientist Award. He remains committed to advancing sustainable agricultural transformation through innovative mechanization and postharvest solutions.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publication

“A critical review on rice cultivation and mechanization level in Indian perspective”

Karunesh Shukla | Agricultural Science | Young Researcher Award

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Dr. Karunesh Shukla | Agricultural Science | Young Researcher Award

ICAR-NCIPM | India

Dr. Karunesh Kumar Shukla is a researcher in Remote Sensing and GIS with expertise in agricultural applications, disaster risk reduction, and geospatial technology. He has contributed extensively to the integration of advanced geoinformatics in crop health monitoring, policy development, and environmental studies. His work spans precision agriculture, disaster management, and sustainable resource planning. Dr. Shukla has published widely in reputed journals, showcasing his dedication to bridging technology and real-world challenges. With a background in both research and field-based projects, he brings innovation and scientific rigor to his professional endeavors, making significant contributions to the scientific community.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Shukla holds a Ph.D. in Remote Sensing and GIS, supported by a strong academic foundation in the same discipline at the postgraduate level and Information Technology at the undergraduate level. His educational journey also includes foundational studies in mathematics and science at the school level, which strengthened his analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. Through his higher studies, he developed proficiency in geoinformatics, image processing, and spatial analysis. This academic background provided him with a multidisciplinary perspective, enabling him to connect geospatial science with agriculture, environmental management, and disaster mitigation, shaping his path as a geospatial professional.

Professional Experience

Dr. Shukla has served in diverse research and consultancy roles across national institutions and state-level organizations. His professional journey includes contributions in agricultural statistics research, pest management, disaster management, and remote sensing applications. He has worked on projects focused on monitoring agricultural crops, identifying plant diseases, and developing geospatial policies for risk management. In his various positions, he has collaborated with scientists, policymakers, and technical experts, contributing to both applied research and field-level implementation. His experience reflects versatility, leadership, and technical depth, strengthening his ability to address complex issues in agriculture, environment, and disaster risk reduction.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Shukla has earned recognition for his contributions to remote sensing, geoinformatics, and agricultural research. His publications in peer-reviewed journals highlight his expertise in hyperspectral analysis, crop disease detection, and environmental monitoring. He has been acknowledged for his role in integrating ground-based and satellite-based data for real-time applications in agriculture and disaster management. His involvement in multidisciplinary research collaborations has further enhanced his visibility within the scientific community. By contributing to national projects and policy-oriented initiatives, he has been recognized as a dedicated professional who combines technical expertise with societal impact in his research endeavors.

Research Skills

Dr. Shukla possesses strong research skills in remote sensing, GIS, and hyperspectral data analysis. He is proficient in geospatial applications for agriculture, disease stress detection, and disaster management. His technical expertise covers programming tools, satellite data processing, and advanced classification algorithms. He has practical experience with geospatial software, spectral analysis, and vegetation indices, enabling accurate crop monitoring and environmental assessments. His skills extend to the development of geospatial solutions for planning, monitoring, and risk mitigation. With an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, his research integrates science, technology, and practical solutions, reflecting both academic depth and applied innovation.

Notable Publications

Integrating ground-based spectral reflectance and machine learning for Cotton Leaf Curl Virus Disease (CLCuD) detection in cotton crop
Authors: Rahul Nigam; Karunesh K. Shukla; Ajanta Birah; Mukesh K. Khokhar; Bimal K. Bhattacharya
Journal: Advances in Space Research
Year: 2025
Citations: Not yet available

Detection of Aphid-Infested Mustard Crop Using Ground Spectroscopy
Authors: Karunesh K. Shukla; Rahul Nigam; Ajanta Birah; A. K. Kanojia; Anoop Kumar; Bimal K. Bhattacharya; Subhash Chander
Journal: Remote Sensing
Year: 2023
Citations: 2

Conclusion

Dr. Shukla’s career reflects a consistent dedication to applying remote sensing and geoinformatics for societal benefit. His contributions to agricultural research, disaster risk management, and environmental sustainability demonstrate his ability to combine technical expertise with meaningful impact. Through his academic achievements, professional engagements, and collaborative projects, he has established himself as a skilled researcher and practitioner in the geospatial field. His work exemplifies the integration of science and technology to address real-world challenges. Dr. Shukla continues to pursue innovative research, contributing to national and global priorities in agriculture, environment, and sustainable development.

Sadiya Samar | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

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Ms. Sadiya Samar - Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Botany - Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut  - India🏆

Professional Profiles:

Early Academic Pursuits :

She embarked on her academic journey with an innate curiosity and dedication towards the field of Biological Sciences. Her formative years at Kendriya Vidyalaya Muzaffarnagar laid a strong foundation, evident in her consistent academic excellence throughout her schooling, culminating in her Matriculation and Intermediate achievements. Her penchant for Botany became evident during her B.Sc Hons. at Delhi University, setting the stage for her subsequent educational pursuits.

Professional Endeavors :

Her professional trajectory showcases her commitment to education and pedagogy. From her tenure as a Tutor at DAV PG College Muzaffarnagar to serving as a TGT Biology at Police Modern School 6BN, Meerut, and subsequently as a PGT Biology at Himalayan Public School, she demonstrated an adeptness in imparting knowledge. Her academic pursuits continued with a pursuit of higher education, earning an M.Sc in Botany from Delhi University, followed by a B.Ed and an M.Phil in Botany from C.C.S University Meerut. Currently pursuing a Ph.D., her academic odyssey showcases a relentless pursuit of knowledge and expertise in her chosen field.

Contributions and Research Focus in Agricultural and Biological Sciences:

Her research focus predominantly revolves around botanical sciences, notably delving into 'Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles as Nanofertilizer Using Chenopodium album and Product Thereof.' Her publications in reputed journals, including 'Materials Science and Engineering' and 'Research Journal of Agriculture Sciences,' underscore her contributions to the scientific community. Her participation in numerous national seminars, workshops, and symposiums underscores her proactive engagement in interdisciplinary dialogues, especially evident in her attendance at sessions on Medicinal Plants, Disaster Management, and Agricultural Innovation.

Accolades and Recognition :

Her academic prowess is marked by significant achievements, such as the Vice Chancellor Gold Medal in M.Phil Botany, Vishishta Yogyata Certificate, and successful qualification in CTET and UPTET. Her active involvement in co-curricular activities, including Scout and Guide awards, showcases a holistic development beyond academics.

Impact and Influence :

Her influence extends beyond academic circles. Her roles as Secretary and Co-ordinator of 'Bloom - The Botany Society' at Ramjas College, Delhi University, and volunteering in various seminars and workshops reflect her leadership and collaborative skills, inspiring peers and aspiring students alike.

Legacy and Future Contributions :

Her legacy rests on a foundation of academic excellence, research contributions, and a proactive approach to learning and teaching. Her dedication to environmental studies, agriculture, and botanical sciences sets a precedent for future endeavors. As she progresses in her Ph.D. and beyond, her interdisciplinary approach and commitment to scientific innovation are poised to leave a lasting impact in the realm of biological sciences and education. Her journey epitomizes an individual committed to holistic learning, research, and educational excellence, paving the way for a brighter and more innovative future in the field of Biological Sciences.

Notable Publications :