Dr. Nazarul Hasan | Genetics | Young Scientist Award

ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora-India

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🌟 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Nazarul Hasan embarked on his academic journey with an enduring passion for plant genetics and cytogenetics, culminating in a Ph.D. in Botany from the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh. His doctoral research, completed in 2023, focused on the “Identification and characterization of Capsicum mutants by using molecular markers”, under the expert guidance of Dr. Sana Choudhary.

With a solid foundation established during his Bachelor of Science Honors (Botany) at AMU in 2014, Dr. Hasan excelled in key subjects such as Zoology, Chemistry, and English, achieving an impressive academic record. His pursuit of excellence continued through his Master of Science in Botany in 2017, where he honed his expertise in genetics and plant breeding, achieving a commendable 7.4 CGPA. His formative education, from high school to intermediate, further underscored his proficiency in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics, setting the stage for his future endeavors.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Hasan’s professional journey reflects a deep commitment to agricultural innovation and genetic research. He served as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF) in a project funded by the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, where he contributed significantly to induced mutagenesis research at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan (VPKAS) in Almora, Uttarakhand. This work aimed to enhance earliness, grain size, and nutritional quality in grain amaranth, a critical food crop.

Currently, Dr. Hasan is advancing the frontier of millet research as a Research Assistant (RA) under the Global Center of Excellence on Millets-EFC research collaboration, a project funded by the Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR), Hyderabad. His work emphasizes traits discovery and the development of genomic resources in finger millet and barnyard millet, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and food security.

🌱 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Hasan has showcased remarkable versatility through his extensive field and laboratory experience. His research portfolio spans:

• Heavy metal effects on plant physiology and chromosomal behavior.
• Quantitative and qualitative analysis of chemically treated plants, especially in Capsicum.
• Advanced molecular biology techniques like DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, PCR, and SSR marker analysis.
• Employing HPLC to assess quality parameters in amaranth mutants.
• Utilization of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study the microscopic structure of stomata.

This meticulous approach has enabled Dr. Hasan to bridge the gap between basic genetic research and applied agricultural practices, ensuring his contributions have real-world relevance.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Hasan’s academic and research journey has been punctuated with numerous accolades. His work on mutation identification in chili plants and amaranth quality enhancement has received recognition within scientific and agricultural communities. His role as a researcher and innovator underscores his dedication to addressing critical challenges in plant genetics and food security.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Hasan’s work in genetic and plant breeding has profound implications for the sustainability of agriculture and the enhancement of crop quality. By focusing on millets—referred to as “superfoods” due to their nutritional benefits—he is contributing to combating malnutrition and ensuring food availability for marginalized populations. His efforts in amaranth mutation breeding further demonstrate his commitment to improving the nutritional profile of underutilized crops.

✨ Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Hasan’s research sets the foundation for the next generation of crop scientists and geneticists. By integrating cutting-edge molecular tools with traditional breeding techniques, he is shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. His ongoing projects in trait discovery and genomic resource development will pave the way for resilient crop varieties, aligning with global goals for food security and climate resilience.

As Dr. Hasan continues his journey, his interdisciplinary expertise, combined with his passion for innovation, promises to leave a lasting legacy in the fields of cytogenetics, plant breeding, and sustainable food systems. 🌾🌿