Dr. Raj Kumar Gautam, a distinguished Principal Scientist and Head at ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources in Pusa, New Delhi, India, has been honored with the prestigious Best Researcher Award 🏆 for his exemplary contributions in the field of Plant Breeding. With an illustrious career dedicated to enhancing agricultural practices and genetic conservation, Dr. Gautam embodies excellence in research and innovation. His leadership at the forefront of plant genetic resources management underscores his commitment to sustainable agriculture and food security. Through his pioneering work, Dr. Gautam continues to inspire and uplift the scientific community, driving advancements in plant breeding and genetic research.
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Education Details 🎓
Dr. Raj Kumar Gautam holds an M.Sc. in Plant Breeding from CSKHPKV, Palampur, H.P., where he achieved First Division with an OGPA of 3.84/4.00 (76.00%) in 1989. He continued his academic journey to earn a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding from the same institution in 1993, again securing First Division with an OGPA of 8.04/10.00 (80.40%).
Experience Details 💼
With over 28 years of dedicated experience, Dr. Gautam has held pivotal positions in esteemed organizations. Notably, he served as the Head of Division of Germplasm Evaluation at ICAR-NBPGR, and as the Head of Division of Field Crop Improvement & Protection at ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair. His expertise as a Principal Scientist in various institutions has significantly contributed to agricultural research and development.
Research Interests 🌱
Dr. Gautam’s research interests primarily revolve around crop genetic resources, plant breeding, and stress tolerance mechanisms. He is particularly focused on enhancing crop yield potential, developing varieties resilient to salinity/sodicity stresses, and combating bacterial blight disease in rice. His work aims to address key challenges in agricultural sustainability and food security through innovative genetic and genomic approaches.
Awards Details 🏆
Acknowledged for his outstanding contributions, Dr. Gautam has received prestigious awards such as the ICAR Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Award for Outstanding Research in Tribal Farming System Research in 2018. His dedication to conserving agro-biodiversity and promoting sustainable farming practices has earned him recognition and accolades within the scientific community.
Publications Top Notes 📚
“Combining QTL mapping and transcriptome profiling of bulked RILs for identification of functional polymorphism for salt tolerance genes in rice” – Molecular Genetics and Genomics, 2010 – Link
“Enhancing trehalose biosynthesis improves yield potential in marker-free transgenic rice under drought, saline, and sodic conditions” – Journal of Experimental Botany, 2020 – Link
“Stress indices and selectable traits in SALTOL QTL introgressed rice genotypes for reproductive stage tolerance to sodicity and salinity stresses” – Field Crops Research, 2013 – Link
“Effect of different salt stresses on agro-morphological traits and utilization of salt stress indices for reproductive stage salt tolerance in rice” – Field Crops Research, 2016 – Link
“Farmers’ participatory varietal selection: A sustainable crop improvement approach for the 21st century” – Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, 2014 – Link