Ms. Deblina Roy | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, India

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Early Academic Pursuits

Deblina Roy embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in agricultural sciences. Born on March 8, 1998, in Balichak, West Bengal, she has consistently excelled in her studies. She completed her 10th grade from Balichak Girls’ High School in 2013 with an impressive score of 88.57%. In 2015, she graduated from the same school with a Higher Secondary (HS) score of 88.40%. Her passion for agriculture was clear, and she pursued a B.Sc. (Honors) in Agricultural Sciences from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV), where she graduated with a stellar OGPA of 8.28/10 in 2019. This was followed by her M.Sc. in Agronomy from the same institution, where she continued to demonstrate academic excellence with a 9.27/10 OGPA in 2021. Currently, Deblina is pursuing her Ph.D. in Agronomy at BCKV, further deepening her knowledge and expertise in this field.

Professional Endeavors

Deblina has a rich blend of academic and research experience. After completing her M.Sc., she began working as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) under the prestigious DST INSPIRE Fellowship, and as of April 2024, she transitioned to a Senior Research Fellow (SRF). Her fellowship under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, showcases her dedication to advancing agricultural research. Her primary research focus during this tenure revolves around plant-microbe interactions, nutrient management, and organic waste recycling, specifically through microbial-assisted composting techniques.Additionally, Deblina gained invaluable hands-on experience during her Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) program in 2019, where she worked on Agro-Ecology, Crop Protection, and Soil and Water Quality management. This six-month program gave her a solid understanding of the socio-economic and environmental dynamics of rural agriculture.

Contributions and Research Focus

Deblina’s contributions to agronomy and agricultural science have been substantial. She is deeply involved in the isolation, screening, and molecular identification of cellulose-degrading fungi and bacteria, a crucial area of study for enhancing sustainable farming practices. Her work focuses on the recycling of organic wastes through microbial-assisted composting, an innovative and environmentally friendly method for waste management. She has developed a “Cellulose Decomposer” liquid microbial consortium using three fungal and two bacterial strains, which plays a critical role in breaking down cellulose-rich crop residues like groundnut stalks. This method improves soil health and fertility, allowing farmers to recycle their waste effectively.Her work doesn’t stop there. Deblina is also working on optimizing nutrient management in crops, with a particular emphasis on nano-fertilizers and their effect on crop yield and soil health. Her Ph.D. thesis, titled “Microbial-assisted rapid composting of groundnut residues through cellulolytic fungi and bacteria consortium and its effect on maize (Zea mays L.) – groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cropping sequence,” is a testament to her commitment to sustainable agriculture.Furthermore, she has conducted pioneering research on mycorrhizal interactions (particularly with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi – AMF) to enhance nutrient uptake, especially phosphorous, in maize-groundnut cropping systems. Her research aims to provide practical, field-based solutions that are scalable and beneficial for both small and large-scale farmers.

Accolades and Recognition

Deblina has not only excelled academically but has also gained recognition for her research. In 2024, she received four GenBank Accession Numbers from NCBI for isolating and registering efficient cellulose-degrading microbial strains. These strains, including Priestia megaterium (DBJ6) and Micrococcus yunnanensis (DMB9), are critical in advancing the field of microbial decomposition of organic matter. She also secured four Repository Accession Numbers from NAIMCC, ICAR-NBAIM for depositing these microbial strains, further solidifying her contributions to the field of agriculture microbiology.Her accolades include not only her research achievements but also her ability to effectively apply them in real-world agricultural practices. This recognition from national and international scientific communities highlights her standing as a rising star in agricultural research.

Impact and Influence

Deblina’s work has far-reaching implications. Her research on sustainable agriculture and crop residue management contributes to addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by the agricultural sector today, including the need for eco-friendly practices that increase productivity without harming the environment. Her development of the “Cellulose Decomposer” consortium has the potential to revolutionize the way farmers manage waste and improve soil health, providing a significant boost to sustainable farming practices.Through her work on plant-microbe interactions and nutrient management, Deblina is also helping to improve crop yields in a sustainable manner, contributing to food security and the well-being of farming communities. Her emphasis on nano-fertilizers and mycorrhizal fungi showcases her ability to integrate advanced scientific techniques with traditional farming practices.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Deblina’s dedication to agricultural science and her innovative approach to solving practical problems will leave a lasting legacy. Her research is setting the stage for future advancements in organic waste recycling, microbial composting, and sustainable crop management. She aims to continue her research and bring her findings to the forefront of agricultural innovation, potentially impacting policies related to organic farming and environmental sustainability.In the coming years, Deblina plans to focus on expanding her research in cellulose-degrading microbes and nano-fertilizer applications. Her goal is to create more sustainable, eco-friendly farming techniques that can be easily adopted by farmers across India and globally. Through her research, she envisions transforming the way organic farming is practiced, contributing to a greener, more sustainable world. In conclusion, Deblina Roy’s journey is a remarkable example of how passion, dedication, and scientific curiosity can lead to significant contributions in the field of agronomy. Her work is not just about academic success but also about making a tangible impact on sustainable agriculture and improving the lives of farmers.