Biofertilizers

Amitava Rakshit, an IIT-Kharagpur alumnus, is presently Professor at the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University. Dr. Rakshit worked in the Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal in administration and extension roles. He has visited Scandinavia, Europe, Africa, UAE, and Bangladesh pertaining to his research work and presentation. He was awarded with TWAS Nxt Fellow (Italy), Biovision Nxt Fellow (France), Darwin Now Bursary (British Council, UK), Young achiever award, Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute award, and Best Teacher’s Award at UG and PG level by BHU-ICAR, state level by Uttar Pradesh Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and national level by All India Agricultural Students Association in 2009, 2012, 2018, and 2019, respectively. Currently, he is presently the Chief Editor of the International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology (NAAS: 4.91). He is serving as review college member of the British Ecological Society, London since 2011, member of Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition of FAO, Rome, and Commission on Ecosystem Management of IUCN. He has published extensively, including research papers, book chapters and editing books for multiple reputable publishers. Dr. Vijay Singh Meena has made remarkable contributions in the field of agricultural research, aligning his efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Particularly, his work focuses on evaluating and promoting climate-resilient technologies for diverse cropping systems, directly contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). His expertise lies in optimizing input usage, fostering carbon-neutral farming practices, and enhancing productivity and profitability in agriculture, which are integral to achieving SDG 2 by ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, his initiatives in evaluating climate-resilient technologies align with SDG 13 by addressing climate change impacts and promoting adaptation measures in agriculture.Dr. Meena's academic background in Soil Science and Cropping System Management, coupled with his extensive research experience, has equipped him with a profound understanding of cropping systems. His expertise in input optimization, quantitative cropping systems analysis, and soil health management has significantly contributed to improving livelihoods in South Asia, thus supporting SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2. Furthermore, Dr. Meena has been recognized for his scientific excellence, receiving prestigious awards such as the INSA Young Scientist Award and the IASWC Budding Scientist Award, which further highlights his contributions towards achieving the SDGs. In summary, Dr. Vijay Singh Meena's outstanding achievements, leadership abilities, and commitment to agricultural innovation directly contribute to advancing the SDGs, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), and make him a valuable asset in promoting climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems.Manoj Parihar is currently working at ICAR-VPKAS, Almora as a Soil Scientist in Crop Production Division. He did his graduation from SKRAU, Bikaner and selected as ICAR-JRF fellow for post-graduation in BHU, Varanasi. He has been awarded doctorate from the same university in the year 2018. He has received various recognitions such as ICAR-SRF, UGC-BSR, UGC-RGNF etc. Harikesh B. Singh is presently a retired Professor of Mycology and Plant Pathology from IAS,BHU. He served state agriculture university, central university and CSIR institute in teaching, research, and extension roles. In recognition of Prof.Singh’s scientific contributions and leadership in the field of plant pathology, he was honored with several prestigious awards, notable being, CSIR Prize for Biological Sciences ,Vigyan Bharti Award ,Prof. V.P. Bhide Memorial Award , BRSI Industrial Medal Award ,Bioved Fellowship Award , Prof.PanchananMaheshwari ,IPS Plant Pathology Leader Award , CSIR–CAIRD Team award, Environment Conservation Award, CST VigyanRatna Award and many more. Prof. Singh has been the Fellow of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences .Prof. Singh has written two books, several training modules and manuals and more than 150 research publications and has more than 18 US patents and 3 PCTs to his credit. Anand Kumar Singh. (aka Awtar Kumar Singh) is presently the deputy director general of horticulture , Indian Council of Agricultural Research, has a bachelor's degree in Agriculture from Banaras Hindu University , a master's and PhD in Horticulture with a specialization in Pomology from Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. His research areas include genetic improvement of fruit crops, plant Tissue culture and transcriptome analysis of mango. He was honored with several prestigious awards, notable being, Mombusho Award (1989) by Japanese Govt. ,visiting scientist award by Association of International Education, Japan (1999);  DBT Overseas Associateship Award (2006);  Gold Medal:  The Horticultural Society of India (2008); Fellow of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences(2016) and many more

• 1. General concepts2. Production technology, properties and quality management3. Status of research and application of biofertilizers: Global scenario4. Mechanisms and applications5. Quality control6. Setting up a biofertiliser unit7. Relevance in organic agriculture8. Global scenario of biofertilizer production and consumption9. Quality standards for production and marketing of biofertilizers10. Constraints in biofertilizer production