Mausumi Das | Agricultural Economics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mausumi Das | Agricultural Economics | Best Researcher Award

Tihu College | India

Dr. Mausumi Das is an accomplished academic in Economics, recognized for her growing contributions to agricultural development research and labour market dynamics. She has completed advanced studies in Economics including postgraduate, M.Phil, and doctoral-level qualifications from distinguished institutions, building a strong foundation in theoretical and applied economics. As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at Tihu College, she brings vibrant teaching expertise while engaging deeply in policy-relevant research. Her work explores Agricultural Economics, Labour Economics, and Demography, with a special focus on rural-urban migration, farm productivity, and land rental behaviour of farming households. She has published insightful research in respected national and international journals, offering evidence-based perspectives on economic challenges in rural regions. Her academic journey also includes participation in major conferences and collaboration with eminent economists from leading institutions, strengthening her research network and intellectual engagement. Dr. Das’s scholarship reflects a commitment to understanding grassroots economic issues and contributing meaningful solutions to the development sector. Her dedication to teaching, research, and community-oriented academic work continues to shape her as a promising scholar in the field. Her career stands as an inspiring example of purposeful academic pursuit and impactful economic inquiry.

Profiles: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Das, M., & Dutta, M. K. (2025). Impact of rural-urban migration on farm productivity across farm sizes: Evidence from Assam in Northeast India. Indian Growth and Development Review, 18(2–3), 158–177. https://doi.org/10.1108/IGDR-11-2023-0184

Das, M., & Dutta, M. K. (2025). Does labour migration affect land renting behaviour of farm households? A Heckman selection approach. Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics, 80(2), 353–369.

Vinod Kumar S | Agricultural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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

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

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.

Kalaiselvi | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kalaiselvi - Agriculture - Best Researcher Award 🏆 

SRM Institute of science and Technology - India

Professional Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Her academic journey began with a strong foundation laid during her undergraduate studies in Computer Science and Engineering at Annamalai University. She excelled in her academics, securing top grades and demonstrating a keen interest in emerging technologies. This passion led her to pursue a Master's degree in Computer Science and Engineering, where she further honed her skills and knowledge in the field. Her quest for knowledge and academic excellence culminated in her doctoral studies at Anna University, Chennai, where she specialized in Energy Efficient Classification Approaches for Wireless Body Area Networks.

Professional Endeavors

With over 18 years of experience in the field of computer science and engineering, she has made significant contributions to academia and research. She has served in various prestigious institutions, including SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Saveetha Engineering College, KSR College of Technology, and Kongu Engineering College. Throughout her career, Dr. Kalaiselvi has demonstrated a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring students, imparting knowledge in subjects ranging from Data Structures to Wireless Sensor Networks. Her dedication to her profession and passion for research have earned her admiration and respect from colleagues and students alike.

Contributions and Research Focus in Agriculture

Her research interests lie at the intersection of machine learning, wireless sensor networks, and network security. Her doctoral research focused on developing energy-efficient classification approaches for detecting interference and malicious sensor nodes in Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs). Her innovative work in this area has contributed to enhancing the reliability and security of wireless communication systems, paving the way for advancements in healthcare monitoring and other applications.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her academic and professional career, she has received recognition for her outstanding contributions to the field of computer science and engineering. Her research publications in reputed journals and presentations at conferences have earned her accolades and honors, highlighting her expertise and innovative approaches in addressing complex research challenges. Additionally, her dedication to teaching and mentoring students has been acknowledged through positive feedback and appreciation from her peers and students.

Impact and Influence

Her research and academic pursuits have had a significant impact on the field of computer science and engineering. Her contributions to energy-efficient classification approaches for wireless sensor networks have the potential to revolutionize wireless communication systems and advance various applications, including healthcare monitoring, environmental monitoring, and smart agriculture. Furthermore, her mentorship and guidance have inspired numerous students to pursue careers in research and academia, fostering the next generation of innovative thinkers and problem solvers.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As she continues her academic and research endeavors, her legacy as a dedicated educator and prolific researcher in computer science and engineering is bound to grow. Her commitment to excellence, coupled with her passion for addressing real-world challenges, will continue to drive her research efforts and inspire others in the field. Her future contributions hold the promise of further advancements in machine learning, wireless sensor networks, and network security, with potential applications in diverse domains, including agriculture, healthcare, and environmental monitoring.

Notable Publications