Jiangui Zhao | Smart Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jiangui Zhao | Smart Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Shanxi Agricultural University | China

Dr. Jiangui Zhao is a distinguished researcher at the College of Information Science and Engineering, Shanxi Agricultural University, China, specializing in smart agriculture and precision crop monitoring. His work focuses on the modeling and visualization of nitrogen and chlorophyll levels in Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato) leaves using hyperspectral imaging for nitrogen stress diagnosis. With a strong foundation in non-destructive testing technologies such as hyperspectral imaging and Raman spectroscopy, Dr. Zhao advances agricultural innovation through crop growth monitoring, pest and disease early warning, and quality assessment. He has contributed significantly to projects including the Shanxi Province Doctoral Research Initiation Grant, the Shanxi Agricultural University Talent Introduction Research Start-up Fund, and the National Key Research and Development Program of China, among others. His scholarly contributions are reflected in five research publications, accumulating 24 citations across 24 documents, and an h-index of 3, highlighting the academic impact of his work. Through his research, Dr. Zhao remains committed to integrating data-driven technologies and intelligent sensing to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and precision of agricultural management systems in modern greenhouse and field environments.

Featured Publicationsย 

Guang, P., Xue, Y., Zhao, J., & Li, W. (2024). Hyperspectral detection and visualization of pigment content in different positions of tomato leaf at seedling stage. Guang Pu Fen Xi (Spectroscopy and Spectral Analysis).

Melike Bakir | Legume Genetics | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Melike Bakir | Legume Genetics | Best Researcher Awardย 

Erciyes University | Turkey

Dr. Melike Bakฤฑr, Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Biotechnology at Erciyes University, Turkey, is a distinguished researcher specializing in plant biotechnology, molecular genetics, and crop improvement. She earned her Ph.D. in Plant Biotechnology from the University of Ankara and has since advanced research in lentil and chickpea genomics, focusing on cold tolerance, hybrid incompatibility, and molecular marker development. Dr. Bakฤฑr has successfully led and co-led multiple national and international funded projects, including TUBITAK and Erciyes University initiatives. Her scholarly achievements are reflected in 38 scientific documents, 576 citations, and an impressive h-index of 15, highlighting her research impact and global recognition. She has also contributed as a visiting scholar at the University of Vermont, USA, and as a visiting researcher at the Public University of Navarre, Spain, collaborating with global experts to enhance crop resilience through genomic innovation. Dr. Bakฤฑrโ€™s work bridges molecular biology and applied agricultural science, contributing significantly to sustainable crop improvement strategies and advancing genetic resources in legume species, positioning her as one of Turkeyโ€™s leading scientists in agricultural biotechnology research.

Profile: Scopusย 

Featured Publicationsย 

Koboyi, B. W., Keklik, M., DoฤŸanay, ร–., & Bakฤฑr, M. (2025). Transferability of genomic SSR markers in Lens species for genus characterization and lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) breeding. Turkish Journal of Field Crops, 30(1), 223โ€“234.

von Wettberg, E., Banks, C. R., Chakraborty, D., Getahun, T., Bakฤฑr, M., Sassi, G., Hart, J. A., Kretzler, B., Layegh-Nikravesh, N., Kantar, B. M., Chen, Y. H., Tobin, D., Kraft, J., Khoury, C. K., & King, G. J. (2025). But does it taste good? A plea to consider the importance of flavor in managing plant genetic resources. Plants, People, Planet.

Butnor, J. R., Wilson, C. P., Bakฤฑr, M., Dโ€™Amato, A. W., Flower, C. E., Hansen, C. F., & Murakami, P. F. (2024). Cold tolerance assay reveals evidence of climate adaptation among American elm (Ulmus americana L.) genotypes. Forests, 15(11), 1843

Arunima Paliwal | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Arunima Paliwal | Agronomy | Best Researcher Awardย 

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

๐ŸŒพ 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 ๐Ÿ“š, developed technologies ๐ŸŒฑ, guided M.Sc. students ๐ŸŽ“, and led extension programs ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐ŸŒพ. Recognized with 13 awards ๐Ÿ†, Dr. Paliwal is a dedicated educator, researcher, and innovator, committed to advancing sustainable agriculture and empowering farming communities.

Wiseman Ndlovu | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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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

๐ŸŽ“ย Education

  • PhD in Rural Development/Agriculture Economics โ€“ University of Venda ๐ŸŽ“
  • South African National Research Foundation – Doctoral Scholarship (2017-2020) ๐ŸŽ“
  • EXAKT4YOU Hackathon Bar camp, Tanzania โ€“ 2020 ๐ŸŒ
  • Baden-Wรผrttemberg STIPENDIUM, Germany โ€“ Doctoral Study (2019) ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช
  • EXAKT4YOU Innovation Workshop Award โ€“ Tanzania/Germany โ€“ 2018 ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ’ก
  • University of Venda Work-study Programme – Teaching and Tutoring (2015, 2017) ๐Ÿ“š
  • South African National Research Foundation (2014, 2016) ๐Ÿ…

๐Ÿ”ฌResearch Contributions On Agriculture

Dr. Wiseman Ndlovuโ€™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.

๐Ÿ’ผExperience

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 โ€“ Present) ๐Ÿฆ
  • Associate Consultant: Redpoint Consulting Pty Ltd (Sept 2021 โ€“ Present) ๐Ÿ’ผ
  • Associate Consultant & Business Development Partner: Gold Class Group Pty Ltd (March 2018 โ€“ Present) ๐Ÿ“Š
  • Research Technical Expert: Innovation Champions for Local Economic Development Project (Feb 2020 โ€“ Dec 2020) ๐Ÿ“
  • Project Coordinator: Institute for Rural Development (Jul 2018 โ€“ Dec 2019) ๐ŸŒฑ
  • Project Monitoring & Support: United Nations Development Programmes (Sept 2017 โ€“ Jul 2018) ๐ŸŒ
  • Research Assistant: In on Africa Consulting Firm (Feb 2016 โ€“ May 2016) ๐Ÿ”
  • Research Assistant: Institute for Rural Development, University of Venda (May 2016 โ€“ Dec 2016) ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“
  • Student Supervision: Over 6 years of supervising Honours, Masters, and PhD students ๐ŸŽ“

๐Ÿ…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-Wรผrttemberg 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.

๐Ÿ“šPublication 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 ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ”

“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 ๐ŸŒพ๐ŸŒ

“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 ๐ŸŒพ๐Ÿ”‘

“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 ๐Ÿ”๐ŸŒฟ

“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 ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿซ

“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 ๐Ÿ’ผ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿซ

“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 ๐ŸŒ๐ŸŽ“

 

 

Pankaj Malkani | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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

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

Dr. Pankaj Malkani is a dedicated agricultural engineer specializing in farm power and mechanization. ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸŽ“ 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. ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿ… 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. ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ”ง 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. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Dr. Malkaniโ€™s contributions include over 25 publications, 2 books, and a copyright for a smart weighing lysimeter algorithm. ๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ–‹๏ธ A life member of the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers, he is committed to advancing the field and empowering smallholder farmers with sustainable solutions. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿšœ

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.

๐ŸŽ“ย Education:

Pankaj Malkani has an impressive academic journey in agricultural engineering ๐ŸŒพ. He earned his B.Tech degree from GBPUA&T, Pantnagar in 2016 ๐Ÿ…, 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 ๐Ÿฅ‡. His dedication to research excellence led him to complete a Ph.D. in the same field from ICAR-IARI in 2023 ๐ŸŽ“. Throughout his studies, he secured prestigious scholarships, including ICAR-JRF (AIR 05) and IARI-SRF (AIR 01) ๐Ÿ†, and also qualified for competitive exams like ICAR-NET and GATE, showcasing his academic prowess ๐Ÿ“š.

๐Ÿ’ผProfessionalย 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 ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ”. 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 ๐ŸŒพ๐ŸŒ.

๐Ÿฅ‡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. ๐ŸŒพ๐Ÿ“šโœจ

Conclusion:ย 

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 awardโ€™s objectives, solidifying his suitability for this honor.

๐Ÿ“šPublication Top Notes:

  • Development of smart weighing lysimeter for measuring evapotranspiration and developing crop coefficient for greenhouse Chrysanthemum
    ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ 2022 | ๐Ÿ“Š 12 citations
  • Design, development and evaluation of pepper harvester
    ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ 2020 | ๐Ÿ“Š 8 citation
  • Robotics-automation and sensor-based approaches in weed detection and control: A review
    ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ 2020 | ๐Ÿ“Š 8 citations
  • A comprehensive review on greenhouse drying technology
    ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ 2020 | ๐Ÿ“Š 7 citations
  • Design, analysis, and fabrication of high clearance self-propelled foliar applicator
    ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ 2020 | ๐Ÿ“Š 3 citations