Maize Breeding Production, Protection and Management for Optimization of Natural Resources

Dr. Sain Dass has played a pivotal role in strengthening maize research and development in India over the past four decades. He is also known as the "Maize Man of India". A pioneer in the development and dissemination of finished maize germplasm, he supplied over 300 elite inbred lines to AICRP centres. During his 30-year research career, he developed more than 35 single-cross hybrids of maize and bajra. As Director of Maize, he championed the concept of inter-institutional hybrid development, resulting in the release of numerous hybrids by ICAR and AICRP centres nationwide. His mission-mode approach to developing and promoting single-cross maize hybrids transformed India into a net maize exporter. Consequently, maize area, production, and productivity have consistently increased.

Dr. Chikkappa Gangadhar Karjagi began his career in 2009 as a Scientist in Plant Breeding at ICAR-IIMR (formerly Directorate of Maize Research). He has significantly contributed to maize improvement through characterization and diversification of germplasm, heterotic grouping, and hybrid development using both conventional and molecular approaches. Dr. Karjagi led the characterization of 11,674 maize germplasm accessions conserved at the National Genebank, ICAR-NBPGR—an unprecedented effort in India. He has been involved in developing 18 maize hybrids, including four as a lead developer, notably India’s first low-phytate maize hybrid. His academic contributions include 50 research and 9 review papers published in reputed national and international journals.

Dr. Deepak Kumar Singh is a dedicated agronomist specializing in maize and cereal-based cropping systems. He started his career at IIMR and completed his Ph.D. there before joining CIMMYT as a scientist. His work centers on sustainable crop management, precision nutrient strategies, and agronomic innovations aimed at enhancing productivity, particularly in the Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains. His work primarily focuses on sustainable crop management, precision nutrient management, and agronomic interventions to enhance productivity in the Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP). Dr. Singh has actively conducted on-field research trials and collaborated with farmers to test and refine improved agronomic practices under conservation agriculture technologies. Dr. Singh has led on-ground research trials and collaborated closely with farmers to test and promote improved practices aligned with conservation agriculture. With extensive field and soil health expertise, he has contributed numerous research articles, book chapters, and scientific papers. His work is widely recognized by farming communities and National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NAREs) for its practical impact and relevance.

Dr. Madhulika Singh, a Plant Physiologist, has a strong academic background in crop physiology, biotechnology, and agronomy. She earned her Ph.D. from IIMR, New Delhi, where her research focused on the morpho-physiological, biochemical, and molecular characterization of maize. Her skills include DNA isolation, SSR marker analysis, and tissue culture, supported by extensive laboratory experience in both biotechnology and physiology labs. At CIMMYT, she has been involved in agronomic trials, farmer field data collection, and precision nutrient management. She has also worked on collaborative projects with ICAR institutes, focusing on weed management, soil health, and improved agronomic practices. Dr. Singh has contributed to planning and execution of surveys, Open Data Kit (ODK) implementation, and data analysis at the farm level. A strong advocate for gender equity in agriculture, she edited the book Unheard Being Heard in an international publisher and has authored multiple book chapters and peer-reviewed articles. Her interdisciplinary expertise continues to drive innovation in sustainable and inclusive agriculture.