Professor, Scientist and Academician

I have over 42 years of rich experience in agricultural education, research, and administration. My professional journey at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar saw me serving in key roles such as Professor, Head of the Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, and Dean, College of Agriculture. I also chaired various academic, research, and examination bodies, contributing significantly to institutional development.

My academic foundation was laid through a B.Sc. (Agri.), where I studied core subjects like crop production, soil science, agricultural botany, plant protection, agricultural engineering, agricultural economics, extension, and genetics & plant breeding—which became my area of specialization.

During my M.Sc. (Genetics & Plant Breeding), I studied classical genetics, biometrical genetics, cytogenetics, mutation breeding, quantitative genetics, plant genetic resources, and field crop breeding, with a special focus on pearl millet.

My Ph.D. research, conducted jointly at HAU and ICRISAT, earned me three gold medals (national and university level) and focused on pearl millet breeding, genotype × environment interaction, and heritability studies, incorporating elements of molecular genetics and stress resistance.

My postdoctoral and advanced research exposure at ICRISAT and international programs in Australia and Canada further enriched my expertise. There, I worked on marker-assisted selection, molecular breeding tools, hybrid development, international germplasm exchange, and statistical genomics.

I contributed to the release of several improved crop varieties and led multiple national and international projects, including All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRP). I have mentored more than 50 postgraduate students, and my passion for teaching extended across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.

I’ve authored numerous research papers, technical manuals, and bulletins, and have written and edited several books, including the award-winning “Mangalsutra.” I continue to serve as the Coordinator (Publication), TPIC, actively involved in academic writing, editorial work, and scientific dissemination.

Even after retirement, I remain engaged with the scientific community through platforms like Springer Nature, continuing my dedication to teaching, writing, research, and the advancement of agricultural science.