Ludhiana, December 14, 2023 (Yes Punjab News)
In a notable development, Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt has been appointed as the new Director of Research at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Recognized for his immense contribution to vegetable breeding and advancements in agricultural technologies, Dr. Dhatt’s expertise and dedication have been acknowledged through this prestigious appointment.
Dr. Dhatt’s trajectory within PAU has been nothing short of exemplary. Over the past eight years, he has held crucial positions, serving as the Additional Director of Research in Horticulture & Food Science, along with spearheading the Department of Vegetable Science. He brings to this role a wealth of experience garnered from his significant work in developing and releasing 27 varieties and hybrids of various vegetable crops, with 10 gaining national recognition.
His work spans multiple fronts, including the development of alloplasmic male sterile lines in onion and brinjal, pioneering virus-resistant varieties, and the introduction of hull-less seeded pumpkin varieties. Notably, he introduced a new salad crop, ‘Tarwanga,’ further expanding the realm of agricultural possibilities.
Beyond innovation, Dr. Dhatt has actively contributed to enhancing cultivation practices by standardizing 32 production technologies and machines specifically designed for vegetable cultivation. His role in initiating the memorandum of agreement (MoA) process significantly bolstered seed production for the university’s vegetable varieties and hybrids. Dr. Dhatt’s leadership shines through his involvement as Principal Investigator in 20 research projects funded by prominent organizations like ICAR, DBT, DST, CSIR, SRTT, and State entities. His scholarly impact extends to the publication of 328 articles in esteemed international and national journals, bulletins, and magazines.
Furthermore, Dr. Dhatt’s mentorship has been pivotal in guiding 31 M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, facilitating their recognition through prestigious awards and fellowships, including the ICAR-Jawahar Lal Nehru, IAHS-Dr BR Barwale, ISVS-Dawarika Das Memorial Best Ph.D. Thesis Awards, DST-Prime Minister, ICAR-International, and DST-INSPIRE Fellowships. His accolades at the national level, including the Dr. Kirti Singh Life Time Achievement Award, Dr. Biswajit Memorial Award, NHRDF Award, Dr. Kirti Singh Gold Medal, Dr. Harbhajan Singh Medal, and several plaques, merit certificates, and awards from PAU, attest to his immense contributions.
Leading the All India Coordinated Research Projects, Dr. Dhatt secured prestigious recognitions for PAU like the best centre awards in Vegetable Crops, Onion, and Garlic categories. Additionally, he holds Fellowships from the Indian Academy of Agricultural Science, Indian Academy of Horticultural Science, and Indian Society of Vegetable Science, underscoring his significant contributions and expertise in these domains.
Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of PAU, lauded Dr. Dhatt’s exceptional achievements, acknowledging their profound impact on the field and their inspiration to countless researchers. He expressed confidence in Dr. Dhatt’s ability to thrive in his new role and wished him continued success in advancing research initiatives at Punjab Agricultural University.
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