Arunima Paliwal | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by sciencefather

Dr. Arunima Paliwal | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Arunima Paliwal, VCSG Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, India.

🌾 Dr. Arunima Paliwal is an Assistant Professor/Junior Agronomist at V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry. With a Ph.D. in Agronomy and over 34 research papers, she has made significant contributions to agricultural science. She has authored books 📚, developed technologies 🌱, guided M.Sc. students 🎓, and led extension programs 👩‍🌾. Recognized with 13 awards 🏆, Dr. Paliwal is a dedicated educator, researcher, and innovator, committed to advancing sustainable agriculture and empowering farming communities.

Wiseman Ndlovu | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by sciencefather

Dr. Wiseman Ndlovu | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wiseman Ndlovu, African Wildlife Economy Institute, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Dr. Wiseman Ndlovu is a seasoned academic and researcher in rural development and agricultural economics. He holds a PhD from the University of Venda and has extensive experience in project administration, data analytics, and business consulting. Dr. Ndlovu has led various research initiatives, mentored students, and contributed to impactful projects, demonstrating a commitment to knowledge advancement and capacity building.

Professional Profile

SCOPUS ID

ORCID ID

🎓 Education

  • PhD in Rural Development/Agriculture Economics – University of Venda 🎓
  • South African National Research Foundation – Doctoral Scholarship (2017-2020) 🎓
  • EXAKT4YOU Hackathon Bar camp, Tanzania – 2020 🌍
  • Baden-Württemberg STIPENDIUM, Germany – Doctoral Study (2019) 🇩🇪
  • EXAKT4YOU Innovation Workshop Award – Tanzania/Germany – 2018 🌍💡
  • University of Venda Work-study Programme – Teaching and Tutoring (2015, 2017) 📚
  • South African National Research Foundation (2014, 2016) 🏅

🔬Research Contributions On Agriculture

Dr. Wiseman Ndlovu’s research contributions span rural development, agricultural economics, and business analytics. He has led high-impact projects, including wildlife value chain analysis and the commercialization of medicinal plants. His work bridges academia and industry, showcasing his expertise in data analytics, project coordination, and fostering innovation in economic and environmental development. His research continues to influence both sectors.

💼Experience

Dr. Wiseman Ndlovu has extensive experience in research, project coordination, and consultancy. He has worked as Programmes Director at the African Wildlife Economy Institute and held roles in Redpoint Consulting and Gold Class Group. His expertise includes business analytics, leadership coaching, and mentoring, with a focus on rural development, economic growth, and data-driven solutions.

Professional Roles:

  • Programmes Director: African Wildlife Economy Institute, Stellenbosch University (Jan 2023 – Present) 🦁
  • Associate Consultant: Redpoint Consulting Pty Ltd (Sept 2021 – Present) 💼
  • Associate Consultant & Business Development Partner: Gold Class Group Pty Ltd (March 2018 – Present) 📊
  • Research Technical Expert: Innovation Champions for Local Economic Development Project (Feb 2020 – Dec 2020) 📝
  • Project Coordinator: Institute for Rural Development (Jul 2018 – Dec 2019) 🌱
  • Project Monitoring & Support: United Nations Development Programmes (Sept 2017 – Jul 2018) 🌍
  • Research Assistant: In on Africa Consulting Firm (Feb 2016 – May 2016) 🔍
  • Research Assistant: Institute for Rural Development, University of Venda (May 2016 – Dec 2016) 🧑‍🎓
  • Student Supervision: Over 6 years of supervising Honours, Masters, and PhD students 🎓

🏅Awards and Recognition

  • South African National Research Foundation Doctoral Scholarship (2017-2020): Awarded for his exceptional academic performance and groundbreaking research in Rural Development and Agricultural Economics.
  • EXAKT4YOU Hackathon Bar Camp Award (2020): Honored for his innovative approach in business analytics and project management during the highly competitive Hackathon event in Tanzania.
  • Baden-Württemberg STIPENDIUM, Germany (2019): Awarded the prestigious scholarship for his doctoral studies, facilitating academic exchange and research excellence.
  • EXAKT4YOU Innovation Workshop Award (2018): Recognized for his contributions to innovation and business development at the global workshop in Tanzania and Germany.

📚Publication Top Notes

“Opportunities and challenges in the commercialisation of medicinal plants used in village chicken health management”

Co-authors: Chidembo, R., Mwale, M., Obadire, O., Francis, J.

Published: 2023

Citations: 2

Journal: Journal of Medicinal Plants for Economic Development 🌱🐔

“Using a structural equation model to evaluate the roles of traditional institutions in rural agriculture success and sustainability”

Co-authors: Mwale, M., Zuwarimwe, J.

Published: 2022

Citations: 0

Journal: Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development 🌾🌍

“Challenges and critical success factors for rural agrarian reforms in Limpopo province, South Africa”

Co-authors: Mwale, M., Zuwarimwe, J.

Published: 2021

Citations: 2

Journal: Agraris 🌾🔑

“Profiling village chickens, predators, parasites, and medicinal plants used to control the parasites”

Co-authors: Mwale, M., Iwara, I.O., Obadire, O.S., Francis, J.

Published: 2021

Citations: 4

Journal: Revista Brasileira de Ciencia Avicola / Brazilian Journal of Poultry Science 🐔🌿

“Organisational culture and turnover intentions among academics: a case of a rural-based university”

Co-authors: Mashile, D.A., Munyeka, W.

Published: 2021

Citations: 19

Journal: Studies in Higher Education 🎓🏫

“Gender diversity, ethnic diversity and employee performance in a South African higher education institution”

Co-authors: Zhuwao, S., Ngirande, H., Setati, S.T.

Published: 2019

Citations: 24

Journal: SA Journal of Human Resource Management 💼👩‍🏫

“Exploring the role of students in the attainment of Africanisation and internationalisation in post-apartheid South Africa”

Co-authors: Iwara, I.O., Enaifoghe, A.O., Obadire, O.S., Maduku, H.

Published: 2018

Citations: 1

Journal: African Renaissance 🌍🎓

 

 

Pankaj Malkani | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by sciencefather

Dr. Pankaj Malkani | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr.  Pankaj Malkani, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, India.

Dr. Pankaj Malkani is a dedicated agricultural engineer specializing in farm power and mechanization. 📚👨‍🎓 With a B.Tech from GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, an M.Tech, and a Ph.D. from ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, he has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, securing top ranks in competitive exams like ICAR-JRF and IARI-SRF. 🌟🏅 Currently, he serves as a Subject Matter Specialist at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) under DRPCAU, Bihar, where he leads impactful research projects focused on climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable mechanization. 🌱🔧 His innovations, including a sensor-based weed detection system and mobile tire testing device, are transforming precision agriculture by enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact. 🌐🛠️ Dr. Malkani’s contributions include over 25 publications, 2 books, and a copyright for a smart weighing lysimeter algorithm. 📖🖋️ A life member of the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers, he is committed to advancing the field and empowering smallholder farmers with sustainable solutions. 🌍🚜

Professional Profile:

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award and Conclusion:

Pankaj Malkani stands out as an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding academic background and innovative contributions to agricultural engineering. With a B.Tech, M.Tech, and Ph.D. in Farm Power and Equipment, complemented by prestigious scholarships like ICAR-JRF (AIR 05) and IARI-SRF (AIR 01), Pankaj has demonstrated academic excellence and deep expertise in his field. His research focuses on precision agriculture and sustainable mechanization, particularly for smallholder farmers.

🎓 Education:

Pankaj Malkani has an impressive academic journey in agricultural engineering 🌾. He earned his B.Tech degree from GBPUA&T, Pantnagar in 2016 🏅, where he developed a strong foundation in agricultural technologies. He further pursued an M.Tech in Farm Power and Equipment from ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, graduating in 2018 with top honors 🥇. His dedication to research excellence led him to complete a Ph.D. in the same field from ICAR-IARI in 2023 🎓. Throughout his studies, he secured prestigious scholarships, including ICAR-JRF (AIR 05) and IARI-SRF (AIR 01) 🏆, and also qualified for competitive exams like ICAR-NET and GATE, showcasing his academic prowess 📚.

💼Professional Experience:

Pankaj Malkani has extensive experience in agricultural engineering, currently serving as a Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Bihar. In this role, he focuses on extension services and adaptive research, particularly in Climate Resilient Agriculture, SCSP, and TSP plans. His contributions include developing sensor-based weed detection systems, self-propelled foliar applicators, and mobile tire testing devices, aimed at improving farming efficiency 🌱🔍. With hands-on experience in precision agriculture, Pankaj collaborates on projects that address farmers’ needs, enhancing sustainable mechanization and resource optimization in the agricultural sector 🌾🌍.

🥇Award and Honors:

Pankaj Malkani has earned numerous accolades in the field of agricultural engineering. He was awarded the Best M.Tech Thesis Award (2020) and the Academic Excellence Award (2021) for his outstanding academic achievements. As a recipient of prestigious scholarships, including the ICAR-JRF (AIR 05) and IARI-SRF (AIR 01), Pankaj has consistently showcased academic excellence. His innovative contributions to precision agriculture earned him recognition, including a copyright for a Smart Weighing Lysimeter algorithm. Additionally, his expertise is widely acknowledged through multiple citations in high-impact journals and professional memberships in reputed agricultural societies. 🌾📚✨

Conclusion: 

Pankaj Malkani’s diverse accomplishments in agricultural engineering, particularly in precision agriculture and mechanization, combined with his impressive academic record, innovative research, and practical contributions to sustainable farming, make him a strong contender for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His commitment to advancing agricultural technology and supporting the needs of smallholder farmers aligns with the award’s objectives, solidifying his suitability for this honor.

📚Publication Top Notes:

  • Development of smart weighing lysimeter for measuring evapotranspiration and developing crop coefficient for greenhouse Chrysanthemum
    🗓️ 2022 | 📊 12 citations
  • Design, development and evaluation of pepper harvester
    🗓️ 2020 | 📊 8 citation
  • Robotics-automation and sensor-based approaches in weed detection and control: A review
    🗓️ 2020 | 📊 8 citations
  • A comprehensive review on greenhouse drying technology
    🗓️ 2020 | 📊 7 citations
  • Design, analysis, and fabrication of high clearance self-propelled foliar applicator
    🗓️ 2020 | 📊 3 citations