Divya | Food Science | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Divya | Food Science | Research Excellence Award

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | India

Dr. Divya is a postdoctoral researcher in biotechnology and food technology with expertise in medicinal plants, metabolomics, fermentation engineering, and bioactive compound discovery. Trained at leading institutions, her research integrates advanced analytical techniques, computational modeling, and pharmacological evaluation to develop functional, plant-based nutraceuticals. She has contributed to high-impact journals, book chapters, and holds a granted patent for a medicinal-plant-based beverage. Recognized with prestigious young researcher awards, her work bridges fundamental science with sustainable health and food innovations.

Research Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Choudhary, D., Naik, S. N., & Hariprasad, P. (2025). A novel approach for the optimization of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd.) plant-based low alcohol nutra beverage production using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NCIM 2428) in conjunction with artificial neural network and genetic algorithm (ANN-GA). Journal of Food Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-025-06275-2

Pathak, V. M., Rana, N., Pandey, S., Sarkar, A. K., Chauhan, A., Jindal, T., Sharma, M., Dewali, S., Bisht, S. S., & Choudhary, D., et al. (2024). Exploration of extremophiles: Potential applications in agriculture and soil health improvement utilizing extremophiles. In Extremophiles for sustainable agriculture and soil health improvement. Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-70203-7_5

Choudhary, D., Naik, S. N., & Hariprasad, P. (2023). Review on bioactive metabolites of Asparagus racemosus and its pharmacological significance. The Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics. https://doi.org/10.21048/ijnd.2023.60.4.34100

Choudhary, D. (2018). Development of alcoholic beverages of Punica granatum blend with Kalanchoe pinnata and Emblica officinalis using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Journal of Basic and Applied Engineering Research.

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

Yashbir Shivay | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Yashbir Shivay | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India

Author Profile

SCOPUS

ORCID

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Yashbir Singh Shivay completed his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Agriculture and Agronomy from reputed Indian agricultural universities. He later earned his Ph.D. in Agronomy from GBPUAT, Pantnagar, establishing a strong foundation in soil science and crop nutrition. His academic path also includes prestigious post-doctoral research at Zhejiang Agricultural University, China, and engagements as a Visiting Scientist and Specialist in Norway, demonstrating his early commitment to international scientific collaboration.

🏢 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Shivay has had a distinguished career at ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, where he served as:

  • Scientist (1991–2000)

  • Senior Scientist (2000–2008)

  • Principal Scientist (2008–present)

  • Professor of Agronomy (2015–2018)
    He held key organizational roles in various national and international conferences, including as Organizing Secretary for the 4th International Agronomy Congress (2016) and XXI Biennial Symposium of ISA (2018).

📚 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Dr. Shivay’s expertise lies in Agronomy, particularly in:

  • Soil Fertility Management

  • Crop Nutrition & Micronutrients

  • Rice–Wheat Cropping Systems

  • Organic and Ecological Agriculture

His research has significantly enhanced the understanding of nutrient dynamics, especially zinc and nitrogen management in cereal crops, contributing to improved crop productivity and soil health.

🏅 ACADEMIC CITATIONS, ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

Dr. Shivay is widely published and cited:

  • 360+ Research Papers (Cumulative IF=223)

  • 86 Review Articles, 30 Book Chapters

  • 235 Popular Articles (in English & Hindi)

  • 7 Books, 4 Manuals, 10 Edited Volumes

  • Editor of 2 special issues of Indian Journal of Agronomy

🏅 Select Awards Include:

  • ICAR-IARI Best Teacher Award (2009)

  • Bharat Ratna Dr. C. Subramaniam Award for Outstanding Teachers (2018)

  • XXIII Sukumar Basu Memorial Award (2021–22)

  • FAI Awards (2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2024)

  • ISA & SAP Gold Medals, NAAS Fellow (2017)

  • Best Hindi Article Awards (2010, 2012, 2020, 2022)

  • Ramanth Singh Puraskar (2021–23) for Best Hindi Book

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

  • Delivered presentations in over 75 international and 50 national conferences.

  • Contributed to international collaborations in countries including China, Norway, Turkey, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Belgium, and Japan.

  • Instrumental in the training and mentoring of 23 postgraduates, many of whom have won prestigious thesis and research awards.

🧭 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

  • Dr. Shivay has laid a strong foundation in sustainable agronomic practices, promoting zinc biofortification, and integrated nutrient management.

  • His contribution to mentoring international students from Afghanistan’s ANASTU underscores his role in global agricultural capacity building.

  • As President of the Indian Society of Agrophysics (2024–25), he is poised to influence agricultural policy and future research frameworks.

 ✅CONCLUSION

Dr. Yashbir Singh Shivay exemplifies academic excellence, research depth, and global impact in Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences. His work on nutrient dynamics, ecological agriculture, and capacity building continues to inspire innovation in sustainable food production and soil health management. A true academic leader, his legacy is marked not just by his awards and publications, but also by the empowerment of the next generation of agricultural scientists.

🔬NOTABLE PUBLICATION:

Assessment of soil biological quality under long-term rice-wheat cropping system: Effect of continuous vs. residual organic nutrient inputs

  • Authors: [Not provided – marked as “…”]
    Journal: Soil and Tillage Research
    Year: 2025

  • Cyanobacteria as a nutri-fertigation option for stimulating fruit quality and yield in Capsicum annuum
    Authors: [Not provided – marked as “…”]
    Journal: Acta Physiologiae Plantarum
    Year: 2025

  • Farming practices affect soil’s suppressiveness towards phytopathogens
    Authors: [Not provided – marked as “…”]
    Journal: Applied Soil Ecology
    Year: 2025

  • Development of robust nurseries through cyanobacteria as seed priming or nursery media amendment options and their interactions with tomato cultivars
    Authors: [Not provided – marked as “…”]
    Journal: Scientia Horticulturae
    Year: 2025

  •  Exploring Optimal Combinations of Green Manures, Composts, and Microbial Inoculums to Boost Soil Biological Properties, Nutrient Release, and Basmati Rice Yield
    Authors: [Not provided – marked as “…”]
    Journal: International Journal of Plant Production
    Year: 2025