Dr. Mukesh Sehgal, Director of ICAR-NRIIPM, New Delhi, has emerged as a distinguished authority in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Renowned for his expertise and leadership in cereal crop research, he has played a pivotal role at the ICAR-National Research Institute for Integrated Pest Management. His extensive career has been marked by groundbreaking research and transformative contributions across diverse agro-climatic zones in India.
Originating from Delhi, he demonstrated an early commitment to academic excellence. His schooling in the capital provided the foundation for his remarkable career. He earned a B.Sc. (Hons) degree with distinction, receiving the Roll of Honour and a continuous three-year Book Award from esteemed institutions, including the Department of Telecommunication, Government of India, and Delhi University, where he was also honored with the P. Maheswari Memorial Award.
Pursuing higher education at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), he obtained both a Master’s and Ph.D. degree with distinction, securing Junior and Senior Fellowships that underscored his intellectual acumen. His rigorous academic training propelled him towards a distinguished career in agricultural research.
His journey as an agricultural scientist commenced with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) after clearing the prestigious ICAR-ARS exam with the second-highest rank nationwide in his field. This achievement led to his tenure at the ICAR-National Research Centre for Integrated Pest Management (NCIPM) in New Delhi, where he made significant strides in pest management research.
As the Rice Team Leader at ICAR-NCIPM, he spearheaded the development of IPM toolboxes tailored for diverse rice cropping systems. His efforts led to tangible advancements in pest management across regions such as Mandya and Shimoga in Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura, and Mizoram. His innovative strategies improved pest control measures, benefiting rice farmers significantly.
Beyond research, his commitment extended to empowering marginalized and tribal communities. As the Nodal Officer and Principal Investigator of the Tribal Sub Plan/NEH Scheme, he implemented IPM strategies across states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, and Uttar Pradesh. His initiatives nearly doubled the income of tribal farmers, driving economic empowerment and social upliftment. A key achievement was his initiative to disseminate IPM knowledge to Basmati farmers in Punjab and Haryana, establishing collaborations among ICAR, SAUs, SDAs, NGOs, and exporters to provide unified advisories. His partnership with LT Foods Ltd enabled the training of over 11,954 farmers in person and more than 10,000 virtually, offering comprehensive guidance on rice cultivation without chemical pesticides.
His scholarly contributions include co-editing the Handbook of IPM and publishing over 154 research papers, 69 book chapters, and 143 technical and extension folders. His extensive literary work has advanced agricultural science and practice, making significant knowledge accessible to researchers and practitioners alike.
His achievements have been recognized with 102 awards from national and international institutions. Notable honors include the Dr. M. S. Swaminathan Award, Outstanding IPM Scientist Award, Bhartiya Gyan Ratna, Best Teacher Award, six Lifetime Achievement Awards, and the Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Award. He is also set to receive the prestigious World Leader ICON Award at the University of Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum and an Australian honor, further solidifying his global impact.
His legacy in agricultural science exemplifies innovation, excellence, and service. Through pioneering research, transformative initiatives, and scholarly contributions, he has revolutionized IPM, enhancing agricultural sustainability and improving farmers’ livelihoods across India.
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