The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has appointed Dr. Rajbir Singh as the new Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), following his successful tenure as the Assistant Director General (Agronomy, Agroforestry, and Climate Change) in the Natural Resource Management (NRM) Division at ICAR’s KAB-II, New Delhi.
A Distinguished Career
Dr. Singh brings over three decades of experience in agricultural research and extension. His career began at the Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology, Abohar, where he worked as a Scientist and Senior Scientist from 1995 to 2004. He then moved on to serve as the Principal Scientist at the Indian Institute of Water Management, Bhubaneswar, from 2008 to 2012. From 2015 to 2023, Dr. Singh served as the Director of the ICAR Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATAARI) in Ludhiana, where he made significant strides in agricultural innovation.
His leadership also extended to the NRM Division at ICAR, where he contributed significantly as a Principal Scientist.
Recognition and Awards
Dr. Singh’s exceptional contributions to agricultural science have earned him numerous accolades. In 2022, he was honored with the prestigious Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award for his outstanding research in agricultural science. He also received the Nanaji Deshmukh ICAR Award in 2019 for outstanding interdisciplinary team research and the Swami Sahajanand Saraswati Outstanding Extension Scientist Award in 2016. His dedication to stubble management and the empowerment of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) was widely recognized, with particular appreciation from the Chief Minister of Punjab.
International and National Contributions
Dr. Singh has played a significant role on the global stage. As a member of the Indian delegation to COP-28 in Dubai, UAE, in 2023, he actively contributed to discussions on climate-smart agriculture. His work also includes involvement in national committees focusing on agricultural adaptation strategies, natural farming, and climate-smart agriculture.
Research Interests
Dr. Singh’s research work primarily revolves around sustainable agricultural practices, which include protected agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, precision farming, farming systems, and natural farming. His focus on sustainable solutions aligns with India’s growing need for effective climate adaptation in agriculture.
With his extensive background and ongoing commitment to innovation in the agricultural sector, Dr. Rajbir Singh is set to lead the agricultural extension efforts at ICAR to new heights.
Related:
The upcoming ‘Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela 2025’ in New Delhi will showcase innovations and advancements in the agricultural sector. Farmers and entrepreneurs are expected to benefit from the fair’s focus on agricultural technology and extension programs.
