Ananta Vashisth | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ananta Vashisth | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute New Delhi | India

Dr. Ananta Vashisth is a Principal Scientist at the Division of Agricultural Physics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. She is an eminent researcher, educator, and extension specialist who has contributed significantly to the advancement of agricultural physics and climate-resilient farming systems. With more than two decades of professional excellence, she has developed innovative approaches in crop-weather modeling, yield forecasting, and weather-based agricultural advisories. Her work bridges the gap between scientific research and field-level applications, ensuring that farmers benefit directly from cutting-edge knowledge in agricultural sciences.

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Education

Dr. Ananta Vashisth pursued her higher education with distinction and excellence, consistently standing out as a meritorious scholar. She completed her graduation and post-graduation from H.N.B. Garhwal University, Uttarakhand, where she earned recognition as a gold medalist at both levels. She later earned her doctoral degree from the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Her doctoral research on the “Biophysical Characterization of Seeds Subjected to Magnetic Field” combined innovation with practical applications, establishing a strong foundation for her future scientific endeavors.

Professional Experience

Dr. Ananta Vashisth has devoted her professional career to agricultural research, teaching, and extension. She began her journey as a scientist and steadily progressed to the position of Principal Scientist at ICAR-IARI. Over the years, she has worked extensively in the field of crop-weather relationships, agrometeorological services, and climate risk management. She has actively designed and delivered training programs for agricultural professionals, scientists, and farmers, equipping them with the latest tools in agrometeorology and resource management. Her contributions extend beyond research to include teaching and mentoring of postgraduate students and capacity building of agricultural extension personnel. Through her long service, she has not only advanced knowledge but also strengthened the interface between science and society.

Research Interests

The research interests of Dr. Ananta Vashisth focus on crop-weather modeling, micrometeorology, remote sensing applications, and yield forecasting under diverse climatic conditions. She has a deep commitment to addressing the challenges posed by climate variability and change on agriculture. Her studies have improved understanding of how micro-environmental management strategies can enhance crop productivity and sustainability. She has been a pioneer in integrating advanced simulation models, statistical techniques, and agrometeorological tools for providing real-time advisories. Her work has continuously emphasized the translation of scientific results into actionable practices that directly benefit farmers and policymakers.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Ananta Vashisth has received widespread recognition for her outstanding scientific achievements and leadership in the field of agricultural physics. She has delivered invited lectures at international and national platforms, served as a resource person in training programs, and contributed to several collaborative initiatives across institutions. She has been entrusted with responsibilities in major national projects and has actively represented ICAR-IARI in high-level scientific and policy forums. Her leadership in developing climate-smart agriculture strategies, together with her role in advancing weather-based advisory services, has established her reputation as a leading scientist dedicated to sustainable agricultural development.

Selected Publications

Dr. Ananta Vashisth has published extensively in reputed journals of international and national repute. Her publications are widely cited, reflecting the significance of her research contributions. A selection of her impactful works includes:

Title: Effect on germination and early growth characteristics in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds exposed to static magnetic field
Journal: Journal of Plant Physiology
Published on: 2010
Citation: 608

Title: Exposure of seeds to static magnetic field enhances germination and early growth characteristics in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Journal: Bioelectromagnetics: Journal of the Bioelectromagnetics Society
Published on: 2008
Citation: 314

Title: Growth characteristics of maize seeds exposed to magnetic field
Journal: Bio electro magnetics
Published on: 2017
Citation: 84

Title: Modelling soil water balance and root water uptake in cotton grown under different soil conservation practices in the Indo-Gangetic Plain
Journal: Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment
Published on: 2017
Citation: 81

Title: Characterization of water distribution and activities of enzymes during germination in magnetically-exposed maize (Zea mays L.) seeds
Journal: Indian Journal of Biochemistry & Biophysics
Published on: 2010
Citation: 55

Title: Germination characteristics of seeds of maize (Zea mays L.) exposed to magnetic fields under accelerated ageing condition
Journal: Journal of Agricultural Physics
Published on: 2009
Citation: 53

Title: Weather based agromet advisories for enhancing the production and income of the farmers under changing climate scenario
Journal: International Journal of Agriculture and Food Science Technology
Published on: 2013
Citation: 47

Title: Wheat yield prediction based on weather parameters using multiple linear, neural network and penalised regression models
Journal: Journal of Agrometeorology
Published on: 2022
Citation: 43

Conclusion

Dr. Ananta Vashisth is a visionary researcher whose contributions have greatly advanced the understanding and application of agricultural physics and agrometeorology. Her career embodies a rare combination of academic brilliance, scientific rigor, and practical outreach to farming communities. By integrating modern technologies with field-based research, she has developed innovative solutions to address the challenges of climate change, sustainability, and food security. With her vast experience, scholarly impact, and commitment to agricultural advancement, Dr. Ananta Vashisth is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Muhammad Asrar | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Asrar | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Government College University of Faisalabad | Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Asrar is an accomplished academic and researcher currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology at Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan. He is widely recognized for his expertise in entomology, particularly Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and for his leadership in various academic and administrative capacities. Over the course of his career, he has made substantial contributions to teaching, research, and institutional governance, while also engaging actively in professional societies and editorial roles. His commitment to both science and service reflects a balance of scholarly rigor and organizational skill, earning him recognition at national and international levels.

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Education

Dr. Asrar holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology from Government College University Faisalabad, where his research focused on developing pest management strategies for key agricultural pests in cotton. Prior to his doctorate, he completed both Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Agricultural Entomology from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, equipping him with a strong foundation in crop protection and insect biology. His earlier academic training in the sciences provided the basis for a career that integrates biological research with practical applications in agriculture and environmental management.

Experience

His professional journey encompasses a wide range of roles in teaching, research, and university administration. At Government College University Faisalabad, he has advanced from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor, mentoring students, supervising research, and delivering lectures in zoology and related disciplines. Beyond teaching, he has served in pivotal administrative positions, including Deputy Controller and Controller of Examinations, Deputy Director of Advanced Studies, Assistant Registrar, and Research Officer. These positions have involved overseeing academic policies, managing examination systems, facilitating research approvals, and ensuring compliance with higher education standards. He has also represented his institution at numerous conferences, chaired scientific sessions, and contributed to academic boards and committees across multiple universities.

Research Interest

Dr. Asrar’s research expertise lies at the intersection of entomology, pest ecology, and sustainable agriculture. He has a particular interest in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), focusing on the control of insect pests such as jassids and whiteflies in cotton, as well as stored-product pests like Tribolium castaneum. His work integrates field trials, laboratory experiments, and molecular approaches to develop environmentally friendly pest control solutions. He is also engaged in research related to fisheries and molecular biology, expanding his scope to encompass aquatic ecosystems and genetic tools for species management. Through his research, he aims to reduce pesticide dependence, promote biodiversity, and support sustainable farming practices.

Awards

Throughout his career, Dr. Asrar has been honored with multiple awards and distinctions in recognition of his academic excellence, innovative research, and outstanding service to the academic community. He has received commendations from university leadership for his dedication to institutional responsibilities and for organizing major academic events. Internationally, he has been awarded competitive travel grants to present his work at prestigious scientific forums. His achievements also include recognition for his administrative leadership, active participation in professional societies, and editorial contributions to well-regarded scientific journals. One of his notable honors is the Best Research Award for exceptional contributions to innovative research in science and agriculture.

Publications

Title: Foliar exposure of zinc oxide nanoparticles improved the growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and decreased cadmium concentration in grains under simultaneous Cd and water stress
Journal: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Published on: 2021
Citation: 267

Title: Combined use of different nanoparticles effectively decreased cadmium (Cd) concentration in grains of wheat grown in a field contaminated with Cd
Journal: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Published on: 2021
Citation: 84

Title: 6‐Phosphogluconate dehydrogenase fuels multiple aspects of cancer cells: From cancer initiation to metastasis and chemoresistance
Journal: BioFactors
Published on: 2020
Citation: 58

Title: Effect of gibberellic acid and titanium dioxide nanoparticles on growth, antioxidant defense system and mineral nutrient uptake in wheat
Journal: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Published on: 2021
Citation: 55

Title: Physcion and physcion 8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside: Natural anthraquinones with potential anticancer activities
Journal: Current Drug Targets
Published on: 2021
Citation: 46

Title: Exploration of polyacrylamide microplastics and evaluation of their toxicity on multiple parameters of Oreochromis niloticus
Journal: Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences
Published on: 2023
Citation: 43

Title: Phosphoglycerate mutase 1 in cancer: A promising target for diagnosis and therapy
Journal: IUBMB Life
Published on: 2019
Citation: 35

Conclusion

Dr. Muhammad Asrar exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated scholar, effective educator, and capable administrator. His career reflects a continuous pursuit of scientific advancement alongside a commitment to strengthening academic institutions. With expertise that spans both fundamental and applied research, he has contributed to solving critical agricultural challenges while also shaping the academic environment through leadership and mentorship. His professional record demonstrates not only technical proficiency in zoology and pest management but also a vision for integrating research, education, and service for the broader benefit of science and society.