Dr. P.K. Singh is Professor in Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. Academic experience of more than 23 years of research experience in the field of crop improvement and quality seed research and production of major crops of the region have been headed as Nodal Officer, ICAR seed project of Banaras Hindu University for Breeder Seed, Foundation and Truthful level quality seed production. 12 years of research experience in the field of Molecular Breeding of Rice as Principal Investigator of QTL to Variety Project for Submergence component. Received many awards from various national and international organizations. Successfully supervised 42 Post Graduate and 12 Ph.D. students and they are posted in Indian Agriculture Research System, Banking and Corporate sectors. (Contact details: Email – pksbhu@gmail.com, pks.gpb@bhu.ac.in, Mb. 9935126942).

Dr. B.P. Bhatt is the Director, ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region. He has 32 years of teaching and research experience in the field of agroforestry, farming systems research, and conservation agriculture. Dr. Bhatt has published more than 250 research papers in the journals of International and National repute, besides Book Chapters, Popular Articles, Technical Bulletins, Policy Documents, Extension Folders, Training Manuals etc. He has also authored/edited 19 nos. of books in the field of agriculture and allied aspects. He is recipient of several national awards and Fellow National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (2009), National Institute of Ecology (2014) and National Academy of Biological Sciences (2018). (Contact details: directoricarrcer@gmail.com, dr.bpbhatt@yahoo.com, Mb. 9473199366).

Dr. Narnedra Pratap Singh is presently, Director, ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur. Previously, as Project Coordinator (Chickpea) from 2007-14, President, Indian Society of Pulses Research and Development, Kanpur, India (2013-2020). He has more than 30 years of experience in agricultural research and management with commendable contributions. Dr Singh developed world class state of art facilities of Biotechnology at IIPR, Kanpur. Developed several transgenic events (Bt gene) exhibiting high level of resistance to Helicoverpa armigera in chickpea and pigeonpea. Few efficient lines have been tested in CONFINED FIELD TRAIAL by RCGM, GEAC, Govt. of India. He is pioneer in integrating tools of biotechnology in Pulses Research in India. Developed first draft chickpea genome sequence in collaboration with several international laboratories across the world which is considered as land mark research in history of Pulses Research in India. He has also successfully developed marker assisted breeding (MAB) product for Fusarium wilt resistance (Foc race 2) and drought tolerance in chickpea which have been tested in CONFINED FIELD TRAIAL and that has helped in improving some of the mega varieties of chickpea. Developed several interspecific /intergeneric hybrids in chickpea and pigeonpea involving wild accessions this led to introgression of traits of economic importance in cultivated gene pool. He has developed 14 varieties of different pulse crops. Dr Singh was awarded with NAAS fellow 2017, ISPRD Excellence award 2017, Sardar Patel Outstanding Institution award 2017 (Team), UPAAS Life time achievement award 2016, Bioved Agri-Innovation Award-2015 and Honorary Fellow 2015 by Indian Society of Biochemistry. He served as member of many important committees’, RCGM, advisor/consultant for establishing PG Diploma courses in Biotechnology in UP Polytechnics, international Coordinator (Translational Research), International Chickpea Genetics and Genomics Consortium (ICGGC) and steering committees of several important bodies.

Dr. Arvind Kumar leads the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre, (ISARC), Varanasi India . Prior to moving to ISARC, Dr. Kumar worked as Interim head, Rice Breeding Platform. At IRRI, Dr. Kumar led the rainfed lowland, South Asia plant breeding group. He has expertise in trait development for drought, aerobic rice and dry direct seeded rice. He has developed sixty two rice varieties those are released in ten different countries, published one hundred fifty peer reviewed manuscripts and thirty book chapters. Dr. Kumar identified seven genes for rice gall midge resistance and several QTLs for grain yield under drought, QTLs for grain yield under dry direct seeded situation, QTLs for traits important to aerobic and dry direct seeded rice like early vigor, lodging resistance, root traits related to high nutrient uptake under dry direct seeded situation and nematode tolerance and stable QTLs each for high Fe, high Zn in rice. Dr. Kumar has supervised thirty three scholars and Post-Doctoral Fellows. Dr. Kumar is Fellow of NAAS. He has been awarded with Rafi Ahmed Kidwai award for his service to Indian Agriculture. He has been also honored by Govt. of Nepal for his work in stress prone areas.

Prof. M.K. Sallooja is Professor (Dairy Technology) in School of Agriculture (SOA), IGNOU. Former Director (SOA) for two terms. Academic experience of more than 30 years in the disciplines of Dairy Technology, Food Safety & Quality Management, Sustainable Development and Vocational Education. A Dairy Technologist by profession from the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) and set to the teaching profession as Assistant Professor in the Dairy Science College, Udaipur. Diversified into Educational Planning and Vocational Education by serving as Senior Research Officer in the Planning Commission (Government of India) and Reader in the NCERT, respectively. IGNOU’s experience in the open and distance learning is adding new vista to the academic profession. At present, the Programme Coordinator of the four programmes. Three Research Scholars have been awarded PhD and two research Scholars have submitted the PhD thesis. Published 15 research papers and five book chapters besides the development of IGNOU’s Study material and Text books and practical Manuals of the NCERT. Also associated with in offering the Online Programmes (MOOCs Courses) on SWAYAM platform and Channel Coordinator for the SWAYAM PRABHA – DTH Channel (#24) for Agriculture. Was also associated with the Chair for sustainable Development from 2008-2014.

Dr. Dinesh Kumar Agrawal is Principal Scientist (Genetics & Plant Breeding) & Director (Acting), ICAR- Indian Institute of Seed Science, Mau (U.P.). In more than 25 years of research experience among forage grasses & fodders, cotton, and soybean, I have handled multifarious activities like plant genetic resources in forages & soybean and have also operated breeding programmes in fodder cowpea, Lucerne, cotton and soybean. I have developed a number of varieties among these crops and have looked after the breeder seed production in soybean. My present work responsibility involves managerial role as Director (Acting) of ICAR- Indian Institute of Seed Science which has a national mandate for coordination of quality seed production and research in India.

Dr. Dhoom Singh, Director Extension, C.S. Azad University of Agri. & Tech., Kanpur passed UG & PG (Agronomy) from R.B.S. College, Bichpuri, Agra and Ph.D. (Agronomy) from CSAUA&T, Kanpur. Ten years taught courses to the UG & PG students in the field of Agronomy at Brahmanand College, Rath(B U, Jhansi). Engaged 15 years in research at R.R.S. Hazratpur, Firozabad and Daleep Nagar, Kanpur Nagar. As the capacity of Director Extension monitored the University KVKs. Made the linkage with line department, ICAR-ATARI and ICAR institutions for effective delivery of technical input. Well executed the sponsored programme. Handled the number of research and development projects of Govt. of India, State Govt. and other organizations. Organized every year All India Farmers Fair and Agricultural exhibition. Served as Chairperson and member of different committees. Published number of research papers, articles and bulletins. Served as editor-in-chief of different publications of Directorate of Extension.

Dr. J. P. Sharma,Joint Director (Extension), ICAR-IARI, New Delhi has an experience of over 33 years conducting strategic research, guiding, teaching PG students, conducting national/international training programmes and carrying out agricultural development interventions at national level. He did PhD from IIT, Delhi and PG from GBPUA&T, Pantnagar with fellowships from IIT, Delhi and UNDP, respectively. His areas of expertise are developing innovative extension models for effective technology dissemination, entrepreneurship development in agriculture for creating farm and non-farm based employment opportunities in rural society, peri-urban agriculture, assessment and refinement of agricultural technologies, market-led extension, upscaling and outscaling of farmer led innovations.

Dr. Ashwini Datta Pathak is presently the Director of ICAR-IISR, Rae Bareli, Lucknow – Uttar Pradesh. He is plant breader by profession and worked in genetic enhancement of sugar crops especially sugarcane since 1985. Develoed nine sugarcane varieties viz., CoLK 12207, CoLK 12209, CoLK 11203, CoLK 11206, CoLK 09204, CoLK 07201, CoLK 9709, Co 89029 and Co 89003 adn two sugarbeet varieties as LS-06 and IISR Comp-1. In addition 18 geneticstocs involving intergeneric hybrids for to borer tolerance were developed in prebreeding efforts. Instrumental in conincing the U.P. Government for recommending CVRC released varieties of sugarcane for cultivation in UP, this led all time record production of sugar and sugarcane in the state. The agro-technique for sugarbeet as an alternate source of green energy in India climatic conditions were standardized with development of 2 varieties as LS-06 and IISR Comp-1. Initiated programme for doubling the farmers income in PPP mode and established jaggery units through multipartide arrangements in different parts of country. Initiated seed production programme for improving productivity and profitability of sugarcane.

Dr. Narendra Singh is presently Associate Professor & Head (Agronomy) and Associate Director, Extension at Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda (UP). He develop the KVK under the supervision of Deendayal Research Institute at Chitrakoot and Gonda which acclaimed a good standing and identification not only zonal level but also at Nation level. Productivity of various crop in adopted villages had significantly augmented by implementing various activities namely On Farm Testing, Front Line Demonstration, need based, training to farmers, field days etc. Sufficient experience of transfer of technology through mass media like radio talks, TV talk, magazine and newspaper etc. Organized various training programmes for Govt. officials, field staff, rural youth, farmers and farm women for improvement of their skill, knowledge and attitude in the application of latest production technologies. Conducting front line crop demonstration under NFSM to disseminate latest agricultural technologies among farmers. Imparting holistic economic and social development programmes in tribal villages of Manikpur block district Chitrakoot (UP). Monitoring and execution of all mandatory works of BUAT, KVKs as Associate Director Extension. Perform all legal correspondence of RTI being Nodal Officer of RTI.

Prof. Rakesh Singh is Professor and Head, Department of Agricultural Economics at Institute of Agricultural Sciences Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Varanasi- Uttar Pradesh. Since last 31 years, he is involved in teaching, research and extension activities. His area of research is marketing and tradewith more than 83 publications in national and international journals. He has also authored three books and six book chapters. His major research highlighted the functioning of marketing system, information asymmetry ,developing efficient value chain for horticultural products etc. The major extramural research projects handled by Dr Singh are market Intelligence, Development of Value Chain, Impact of Resource Conservation Technologies, application of e-learning in Agricultural Education system etc.He was Vice President of Indian Society of Agril Economics Mumbai. He is Fellow of National Academy of Dairy Sciences (India).

Prof. Dr. Pratap Bhanu Singh Bhadoria is now Visiting Professor and Ex-Head of Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering and Rural Development Centre,at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. Alexander-von-Humboldt Foundation Germany, awarded the Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship in Göttingen University, Germany (ii) ICRA Fellowship of IAC, Wageningen, The Netherlands, for conducting the field study of farming systems in Guimaras, The Philippines. Prof. Bhadoria is now coordinator of 3 Mega projects on RuralTechnology (RuTAG), Food Security Research Project and Design Innovation Centre / National Initiative for Design Innovation (NID). Prof. Bhadoria has guided 19 Ph.D., 60M.Tech. &50 B.Tech. students. Prof. Bhadoria has handled 20 sponsored research and consultancy projects including one each from Volkswagen Foundation, Germany and IWMI, Sri Lanka. Prof. P. B. S. Bhadoria has published 178 scientific papers in national and international journals of repute and published 3 books. Prof. Bhadoria has filled 37nos. patents related to rural technologyand has been disseminatedrural technology and sustainable food production to more than 30 NGOs and currently working with more than 50 NGOs in the eastern region of India for the improvement of rural villages.

Dr. Gautam Goswami is the Head “Technology Vision 2035”Programme in Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), Dept of Science &Technology, Govt. of India. Dr. Goswami is also heading climate change projects in TIFAC. He coordinated Technology Vision 2020 Agriculture demonstration projects in different parts of the country where he worked closely with Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Former Hon’ble President of India.He is trained in technology foresight from “School of International Future (SOIF), UK. He also participated in the exercise for preparing a document on “World 2050” by OECD conducted in Paris. Under his leadership, TIFAC prepared Technology Needs Assessment report for India in the context of Climate Change. Dr. Goswami conducted panel discussions on technology aspects of Climate Change in COP 21, COP 22, COP 23 and COP 24 in Paris, Morocco, Bonn and Katowice, Poland respectively. Dr. Goswami gives training to private and public sector organizations on Foresight and its application in decision making process. Recently, Dr. Goswami has taken the lead role in preparing the Policy on “Scientific Social Responsibility” in association with DST.

Dr. Jagdish Singh, Director, ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi is Doctorate from BHU, Varanasi and served as Divisional Head in ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur & ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi during his service period of 22 years in ICAR, besides serving more than 10 years in State Department of Sugarcane. Dr. Singh engaged himself in various R&D work in the field of vegetables, pulses and sugarcane and contributed in developing promising agriculture technologies including varieties/hybrids in vegetables and pulses.So far, apart from handling various institutional projects, he has handled 10externally funded projects as Principal Investigator/Co-PI funded by reputed organizations like ICAR, NHRDF, DBT etc.He has contributed more than 443 publications including125 research papers in reputed national/international journals.

Dr. Neeraj Singh, Doctorate from ICAR-IARI, New Delhi in Agricultural Extensionis presently working as Principal Scientist (Agricultural Extension) at ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh since January 1998. Dr. Singh keeping himself close to the farmers and other stakeholders, engaged in Research & Extension in the field of vegetables and allied crops since last 22 years.He has contributed extensively in accessing the needs of farmers and transferring desired vegetables technologies through different means to end users particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for their nutritional and livelihood security. So far, apart from handling 07 institutional projects,he has handled 14 externally funded projects as Principal Investigator/Co-PI funded by reputed organizations like ICAR, NAIP, Ministry of Water Resources (Govt. of India), NHB, NHM. CIMMYT (India) etc.He has contributed more than 130 publications including 41 research papers in reputed national/international journals.

Dr. C B Singh is working as Assistant General Manager since 2013 in APEDA, Ministry of Commerce and Insustry, Govt. of India, New Delhi. His area of expertise is: Education/Teaching: 10 years (UG/PG) BU. Jhansi, Administration/Agri Export: 07 years in APEDA as an Assistant General Manager posted Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata. Dealing with international Standard Operating Processor for Export of fresh fruits and vegetables etc to EU countries, Operational Work Plan with USA, ISPM/NSPM to Japan, South Korea, China, Australia and Gulf Countries etc. International Pack House Standard, Organic Certification for export agri produce-NPOP, NOP etc.