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

Arun Kumar | Horticulture | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Arun Kumar | Horticulture | Young Scientist Award

Lovely Professional University | India

Arun Kumar is a motivated PhD Scholar in Horticulture (Fruit Science) with a strong academic foundation in agriculture, having completed B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture from Maharishi Markandeshwar University and M.Sc. Horticulture (Fruit Science) from Lovely Professional University, where he is currently pursuing doctoral research. His scholarly contributions include multiple research and review publications in reputed journals, book chapters with international publishers, and editorial work on academic books in horticultural sciences. He has authored patents focusing on eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural innovations and holds copyrights on advanced coating technologies for fruits. His research interests encompass postharvest management, precision horticulture, nanotechnology applications in fruit science, AI-based yield estimation, and sustainable agricultural practices. Arun Kumar has actively participated in national and international conferences, specialized training programs, and MOOCs on artificial intelligence in agriculture, climate-smart technologies, and agricultural extension. His academic record reflects impactful publications with significant citation counts, numerous indexed documents, and a growing h-index that underlines his scientific relevance. He has been recognized with awards such as the Best Researcher Award and Emerging Scientist Award, highlighting his dedication and innovation in horticultural sciences. With a blend of research excellence, innovative thinking, and passion for sustainable agriculture, he is committed to advancing horticultural research for global food security and sustainability.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

“Enhancing fruit quality and extending shelf life of Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) with edible coatings”

“Exploring the impact of Agrovoltaics on horticultural crop yields and environmental stress mitigation: A comprehensive review”

“Generative AI in innovative and eco-friendly packaging solutions”

“Nanoemulsion Coatings with Encapsulating Clove Essential Oil for Shelf-Life Enhancement of Guava”

“Comparison of different models for the estimation of genetic parameters of wool traits in intercross sheep”

Mouniga R | Nematology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mouniga R | Nematology | Best Researcher Award

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University | India

Dr. Mouniga R is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of Plant Nematology, currently serving as Assistant Professor in Nematology at PGP College of Agricultural Sciences, Namakkal. She holds a B.Sc. in Horticulture from Horticultural College and Research Institute, Trichy, an M.Sc. in Nematology from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, and a Ph.D. in Plant Nematology from the same institution. Her research contributions focus on innovative nematode management strategies, including entomopathogenic nematodes, chitosan nanoparticles, and integrated approaches for sustainable crop protection. With several peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and numerous popular articles, her scholarly output has gained recognition, supported by an h-index of 3, over 12 documents, and more than 65 citations. She has actively participated in national and international conferences, presenting oral and poster papers, and has undergone advanced training in bioinformatics and agricultural data analysis. Her excellence has been acknowledged with awards such as best oral presenter, quiz competition prizes, innovative article award, and recognition for contributions in agricultural scientific Tamil. Her research interests lie in plant nematology, nanotechnology applications in crop protection, and sustainable pest management. She continues to contribute significantly to teaching, research, and extension activities, inspiring future agricultural scientists with her dedication and innovative research.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

“Impact of chitosan on root knot nematode, Meloidogyne spp. and root pathogenic fungus, Fusarium spp”

Smily Thakur | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Published-on by Indian Scientist

Dr. Smily Thakur | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Khalsa College Amritsar, India

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Smily Thakur began her academic journey with a strong foundation in Agricultural Sciences, earning her B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture from CSKHPKV, Palampur. She further specialized in Agricultural Economics with a Master’s degree from DBSKKV, Dapoli, followed by a Ph.D. from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, where she developed expertise in climate-smart agriculture and impact analysis. Her academic path laid the groundwork for a research-driven, interdisciplinary career.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Thakur is currently serving as an Assistant Professor (Agricultural Economics) in the Department of Agriculture, Khalsa College, Punjab. She is actively involved in teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate students while mentoring M.Sc. researchers. Her teaching portfolio blends economic theory with field applications, contributing to a more sustainable and economically viable agricultural sector.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

Dr. Thakur’s research focuses on the adoption and economic impact of climate-smart agricultural practices, particularly in Punjab. She has investigated how these practices influence crop yields, household food security, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Her work on the drivers and constraints of technology adoption provides valuable insights for policy formulation. Additionally, her earlier work explored mango production economics in Himachal Pradesh, reflecting a versatile understanding of regional agrarian systems.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS, ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

Her research has been published in reputed journals like:

  • Energy Nexus

  • Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics

  • Indian Journal of Ecology

  • Agricultural Research Journal

  • Mausam

She is a life member of the Indian Society of Agricultural Economics, and her academic excellence has been acknowledged with prestigious accolades, including:

  • ICAR NTS PG Fellowship

  • University Merit Scholarship at PAU

  • Silver Medal in Himotkarsh Scholarship

Her presence in various national and international conferences reflects her dynamic scholarly engagement.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

His research provides actionable insights for the civil engineering community, especially in mitigating hydraulic failures around riverine structures. By contributing vital experimental data and novel ML-based prediction tools, his work bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world engineering challenges. His studies on tandem and compound piers enhance the understanding of flow-structure interactions, directly influencing infrastructure resilience and environmental safety.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

With a rapidly growing body of impactful research, Dr. Thakur is poised to become a leading voice in agricultural policy, sustainability, and climate resilience. Her future endeavors are expected to focus on:

  • Integrating economic modeling with environmental sustainability

  • Shaping agro-climatic policy reforms

  • Expanding the application of advanced econometric tools in rural development studies

She also brings interdisciplinary agility through her skills in software like STATA, E-Views, SPSS, and R, empowering data-driven insights.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS:

Investigation on Scouring and Turbulence Characteristics Around T-Head Spur Dike
Authors: T.K. Pradhan, G.C. Malasani, S. Krishna Reddy, V. Chandra
Journal: Journal of Applied Water Engineering and Research
Year: 2024

Local Scour Around Different-Shaped Bridge Piers
Authors: S.K. Reddy, S.T. Kalathil, V. Chandra
Journal: Civil Engineering Journal (Civ Eng J)
Year: 2024

Prediction Models for Scour Depth Around Circular Compound Bridge Piers
Authors: S.K. Reddy, V. Chandra
Journal: Water Science and Engineering
Year: 2025

Experimental Study of Turbulent Flow Characteristics Around a Circular Compound Bridge Pier
Authors: S.K. Reddy, V. Chandra
Journal: River Flow
Year: 2024

Experimental Study of Turbulent Flow Characteristics Around a Circular Bridge Pier
Authors: S.K. Reddy, V. Chandra
Journal: International Association for Hydraulic Environmental Engineering and Research (IAHR)
Year: 2022

CONCLUSION

Dr. Smily Thakur exemplifies the new generation of agricultural economists who merge rigorous academic research with real-world relevance. Her contributions to climate-smart agriculture, agricultural economics, and GHG emission studies offer valuable direction for both academia and policymaking. Her active teaching, field engagement, and scientific output underscore a promising legacy built on research, resilience, and reform.

Ardeep Kumar | Agricultural Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Published-on by Indian Scientist

Dr. Ardeep Kumar | Agricultural Sciences | Research Excellence Award

VCSG UUHF BHARSAR, India

Author Profile

ORCID

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Ardeep Kumar’s academic journey is deeply rooted in the fertile educational ecosystem of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar. He completed his B.Sc. (Agriculture) in 2014, followed by an M.Sc. (Agronomy) in 2017 and a Ph.D. (Agronomy) in 2020—all with First Division. His early exposure to RAWE (Rural Agricultural Work Experience) and PCP (Practical Crop Production) laid a strong foundation in applied agronomy and on-field agricultural innovations.

🏢 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Currently serving as Scientist (Agronomy) at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), under VCSG Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Dr. Ardeep brings dynamic field expertise and academic rigor to the realm of rural agricultural development. His roles span teaching, research, and agricultural extension, with a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices.

📚 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

Dr. Ardeep’s research emphasizes:

  • Organic nutrient management, particularly Jeevamrit and traditional inputs

  • Medicinal and aromatic plants cultivation (e.g., Ocimum basilicum, Brahmi, Chamomile)

  • Agroforestry and soil fertility management

  • Cropping system optimization under diverse ecological conditions

His doctoral research on “Impact of spacing and NPKS management on growth, yield and quality of Ocimum basilicum and residual effect on mustard” exemplifies his systems-oriented thinking and sustainability-driven research ethos.

🏅 ACADEMIC CITATIONS, ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

  • Over 10 peer-reviewed research papers in reputed journals such as International Journal of Chemical Studies, Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, and Indian Forester (NASS Ratings: 4.17 – 5.31)

  • Popular agricultural articles (20+) featured in Kisan Bharti, Indian Farmers’ Digest, and Agribios Newsletter

  • Reviewer/Editorial roles for journals including IJRAR and Agro-Environmental Sustainability

  • Young Scientist Award (2019) – Association of Plant Science Researchers

  • Asian Agri History Foundation Fellowship – For innovation in organic nutrient management

  • M.S. Swaminathan Research Fellowship Award (2021)

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Ardeep has actively participated in more than 18 national and international seminars, presented over 13 research abstracts, and authored numerous popular articles in farmer-centric publications, aiming to bridge the gap between academic research and field-level implementation. His work on indigenous practices and eco-friendly nutrient strategies has informed policy and grassroots-level agriculture extension.

🧭 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Ardeep’s work contributes to the revival of traditional agronomic practices through scientific validation, thus fostering sustainable agriculture. His focus on medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation in hill agriculture positions him as a thought leader in agro-ecological resilience. With a growing portfolio of publications, editorial responsibilities, and academic training, his future lies in policy advisory roles, interdisciplinary research collaborations, and agro-entrepreneurship facilitation.

 ✅CONCLUSION

Dr. Ardeep Kumar exemplifies the 21st-century agronomist—balancing academic rigor, indigenous knowledge, field-level engagement, and science communication. His career reflects a vision to transform Indian agriculture through organic innovations, sustainability, and education outreach.

🔬NOTABLE PUBLICATION:

  • Environmental degradation: causes and remediation strategies
    Authors: V. Kumar, J. Singh, P. Kumar
    Journal/Publisher: Agro Environ Media, Publication Cell of AESA, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
    Year: 2020

  • Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)
    Authors: A. Singh, A. Kumar, S. Yadav, S. Singh
    Journal: International Journal of Chemical Studies (IJCS), Vol. 8(3), pp. 1196–1200
    Year: 2020

  • Herbicide combinations for weed management in Urdbean (Vigna mungo) under tarai condition of Uttarakhand
    Authors: M. Singh, K.S. Shekhar, D.D., Ardeep
    Journal: International Journal of Chemical Studies (IJCS), Vol. 6(4), pp. 1594–1597
    Year: 2018

  • Innovation in traditional organic nutrient management practices for better soil health and higher productivity of brahmi (Bacopa monnieri L.)
    Authors: A. Kumar, S.T. Pandey, A. Kumar, M.S. Negi, P. Gautam
    Journal: Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge (IJTK), Vol. 21(3), pp. 670–676
    Year: 2022

  • Effect of organic mulching and spacing on soil properties and yield of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) cv. CIM Sammohak
    Authors: S. Joshi, S. Melkani
    Journal: International Journal of Chemical Studies (IJCS), Vol. 8(5), pp. 1109–1115
    Year: 2020