Yuvraj Kasal | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yuvraj Kasal | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Maharana Pratap Horticultural University | India

Dr. Yuvraj G. Kasal is a dedicated agricultural engineer-scholar with extensive experience in farm power and machinery, focusing on the design, development and evaluation of precision implements such as liquid fertilizer applicators and water-attachment seed drills. He holds advanced degrees in agricultural engineering and farm power from top Indian institutions and earned a prestigious research fellowship for his doctoral work. With over five years of teaching and research experience at leading universities, he has led hands-on training programs, demonstrations and student outreach activities. His scholarly contributions include numerous peer-reviewed articles on mechanization of dryland farming, fertigation systems, impact of mechanization on smallholder farmers, and equipment performance evaluation (covering fertilizer placement, irrigation scheduling, hydrogel use, postharvest and protected cultivation). While his exact h-index, total publications and citation counts are not publicly available, his work has appeared in multiple high-impact journals with NAAS ratings above 4. Noteworthy recognitions include national fellowships, radio and newspaper dissemination and active involvement in national conferences. His research interests span farm machinery design, sustainable mechanization, fertigation technology and value addition in protected farming. A consummate professional, he combines policy implementation support with community engagement. His career reflects innovation, teaching excellence and practical solutions for smallholder agriculture.

Profile : Google Scholar

Featured Publications

“Adoption behaviour of dairy farmers about recommended dairy management practices”

“Groundwater Potential Zones Identification Using Geographical Information System”

“Screening of the cotton genotypes against Ramularia areola atk. under field condition”

“Drought stress and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield: A review”

“Productive and reproductive performance of Purnathadi and Ellichpuri strain of Nagpuri buffaloes”

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

Sadiya Samar | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Sadiya Samar - Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Botany - Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut  - India🏆

Professional Profiles:

Early Academic Pursuits :

She embarked on her academic journey with an innate curiosity and dedication towards the field of Biological Sciences. Her formative years at Kendriya Vidyalaya Muzaffarnagar laid a strong foundation, evident in her consistent academic excellence throughout her schooling, culminating in her Matriculation and Intermediate achievements. Her penchant for Botany became evident during her B.Sc Hons. at Delhi University, setting the stage for her subsequent educational pursuits.

Professional Endeavors :

Her professional trajectory showcases her commitment to education and pedagogy. From her tenure as a Tutor at DAV PG College Muzaffarnagar to serving as a TGT Biology at Police Modern School 6BN, Meerut, and subsequently as a PGT Biology at Himalayan Public School, she demonstrated an adeptness in imparting knowledge. Her academic pursuits continued with a pursuit of higher education, earning an M.Sc in Botany from Delhi University, followed by a B.Ed and an M.Phil in Botany from C.C.S University Meerut. Currently pursuing a Ph.D., her academic odyssey showcases a relentless pursuit of knowledge and expertise in her chosen field.

Contributions and Research Focus in Agricultural and Biological Sciences:

Her research focus predominantly revolves around botanical sciences, notably delving into 'Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles as Nanofertilizer Using Chenopodium album and Product Thereof.' Her publications in reputed journals, including 'Materials Science and Engineering' and 'Research Journal of Agriculture Sciences,' underscore her contributions to the scientific community. Her participation in numerous national seminars, workshops, and symposiums underscores her proactive engagement in interdisciplinary dialogues, especially evident in her attendance at sessions on Medicinal Plants, Disaster Management, and Agricultural Innovation.

Accolades and Recognition :

Her academic prowess is marked by significant achievements, such as the Vice Chancellor Gold Medal in M.Phil Botany, Vishishta Yogyata Certificate, and successful qualification in CTET and UPTET. Her active involvement in co-curricular activities, including Scout and Guide awards, showcases a holistic development beyond academics.

Impact and Influence :

Her influence extends beyond academic circles. Her roles as Secretary and Co-ordinator of 'Bloom - The Botany Society' at Ramjas College, Delhi University, and volunteering in various seminars and workshops reflect her leadership and collaborative skills, inspiring peers and aspiring students alike.

Legacy and Future Contributions :

Her legacy rests on a foundation of academic excellence, research contributions, and a proactive approach to learning and teaching. Her dedication to environmental studies, agriculture, and botanical sciences sets a precedent for future endeavors. As she progresses in her Ph.D. and beyond, her interdisciplinary approach and commitment to scientific innovation are poised to leave a lasting impact in the realm of biological sciences and education. Her journey epitomizes an individual committed to holistic learning, research, and educational excellence, paving the way for a brighter and more innovative future in the field of Biological Sciences.

Notable Publications :