Karunesh Shukla | Agricultural Science | Young Researcher Award

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.

Leshma Manogna Ramappagari | Food Security | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Leshma Manogna Ramappagari | Food Security | Best Researcher Award

BITS Pilani, India

Author Profile

ORCID

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Leshma Manogna R. began her interdisciplinary academic journey with a B.E. in Computer Science & Engineering from BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus (2013), followed by an MBA in Analytics & Finance from the prestigious Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai (2016). Her passion for blending quantitative analysis with socio-economic research culminated in her Ph.D. in Agricultural Commodity Markets from BITS Pilani, K.K. Birla Goa Campus (2021).

🏢 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Transitioning seamlessly between academia and industry, Dr. Manogna’s early professional experience includes impactful roles such as:

  • Consultant Analyst at Meritus Analytics (WPP), Bangalore (2013–2014)

  • Analytics Consultant at FICO (Fair Isaac Corporation), Bangalore (2016–2017)

Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics & Finance at BITS Pilani, K.K. Birla Goa Campus since May 2021, where she teaches Financial Management, Security Analysis, and Portfolio Management.

📚 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS IN FOOD SECURITY

Her doctoral work titled:
“Market Efficiency and Financialization of Indian Agricultural Commodity Markets: An Empirical Investigation”
lays a robust empirical foundation for understanding agricultural market dynamics, a vital area intersecting food security, economic resilience, and agribusiness policy.

Her ongoing projects sponsored by NABARD and ICSSR examine the impact of e-NAM (electronic National Agricultural Market) on farmer participation in Goa and Maharashtra, offering strategic insights into digital agri-market integration and its role in enhancing food system efficiency.

🏅 ACADEMIC CITATIONS, ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

Awards & Honours:

  • Director’s Young Investigator Award, BITS Pilani Research Awards, 2025

  • Young Woman Researcher in Commodity Markets, Venus International Foundation, 2025

  • Her Research, Our Future Award, Ministry of Education & ICSSR, 2024

  • Young Scientist Award, International Conference for Award Winners, 2021

  • University 3rd Rank & Bronze Medal, NMIMS, Mumbai, 2016

Her research is frequently cited in academic and policy-oriented studies related to agricultural market efficiency, financial econometrics, and agribusiness development.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Manogna’s research is directly aligned with rural economic transformation, agricultural financial inclusion, and commodity market policy reforms. Her contributions influence:

  • National agricultural strategies

  • Digital transformation of markets (e-NAM)

  • Farmer-centric policy implementations

Through field research and data-driven analysis, she bridges theory and practice, positively influencing rural livelihoods and market access.

🧭 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Manogna is steadily shaping a legacy centered on:

  • Empowering Indian farmers through market literacy

  • Enhancing commodity market transparency

  • Pioneering econometric models for agricultural systems

Her future research intends to extend to:

  • Climate-resilient commodity pricing

  • Technology adoption in agri-finance

  • Food security risk mitigation strategies

 ✅CONCLUSION

With a rare blend of computational acumen, financial insight, and agricultural expertise, Dr. Leshma Manogna R. exemplifies a multi-disciplinary scholar deeply committed to the transformation of India’s agricultural markets. Her work resonates with national priorities of food security, digital agriculture, and financial empowerment, making her an influential figure in economic research and rural development.

🔬NOTABLE PUBLICATION:

Title: Enhancing agricultural commodity price forecasting with deep learning
Author(s): R. L. Manogna, Vijay Dharmaji, S. Sarang
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2025

Title: Nourished Nations: Investigating the Dynamics of Food Security, Energy Efficiency and Trade Openness in Emerging Economies
Author(s): Manogna R. L, Aishwarya Naidu, Peeyush Kumar Jha
Journal: Food and Energy Security
Year: 2025

Title: A novel hybrid neural network-based volatility forecasting of agricultural commodity prices: empirical evidence from India
Author(s): R. L. Manogna, Vijay Dharmaji, S. Sarang
Journal: Journal of Big Data
Year: 2025

Title: A bibliometric analysis on the application of deep learning in finance: status, development and future directions
Author(s): R. L. Manogna, Aayush Anand
Journal: Kybernetes
Year: 2024

Title: Does internationalization and board diversity affect family firms’ sustainable performance? Empirical evidence from an emerging economy
Author(s): Madhura Godbole, Manogna R. L.
Journal: Business Strategy & Development
Year: 2024