Dr. Subrata Mandal is an accomplished agricultural scientist, academic leader, and extension specialist with nearly three decades of cumulative experience in agricultural research, education, and rural extension services. He is presently serving as Senior Scientist & Head at Visva-Bharati through the Rathindra Krishi Vigyan Kendra (RKVK), where he provides scientific, administrative, and strategic leadership for agricultural technology dissemination and farmer empowerment initiatives.

With specialized expertise in Agronomy, Organic Farming, Natural Farming, Soil & Water Testing, Cropping Systems, and Climate-Resilient Agriculture, Dr. Mandal has significantly contributed to sustainable agricultural development in eastern India. He has also served as Nodal Officer of the District Agro Met Unit (DAMU), Birbhum, under the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Government of India, delivering micro-climate based agro-advisories to farming communities.

Research, Innovation & Scientific Contributions

Dr. Mandal has successfully handled 55 major research and extension projects as Principal Investigator, Co-PI, Nodal Officer, and Project In-charge under national and international funding agencies including IPNI, IFAD-ICARDA, ICAR, and NFSM. His research primarily focuses on integrated nutrient management, rice-based cropping systems, integrated farming systems, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable farming technologies.

He has conducted over 208 scientific field trials and developed region-specific integrated farming models suitable for lateritic and climate-vulnerable regions of West Bengal. His contributions have strengthened productivity enhancement, soil health management, and livelihood improvement among farming communities.

Publications & Scholarly Achievements

Dr. Mandal has an impressive scholarly record comprising:

• 54 peer-reviewed research publications in reputed national and international journals
• 6 published books with ISBN numbers in Agriculture, Economic Botany, Medicinal Plants, and Horticulture
• 10 academic book chapters
• 112 popular scientific articles for agricultural awareness and farmer education
• 36 conference presentations in national and international seminars and symposia

His publications in journals such as the Journal of Agrometeorology, Legume Research, Environment Conservation Journal, and Crop Research reflect his sustained contribution to agricultural science and extension research.

Extension, Outreach & Capacity Building

A distinguished extension scientist, Dr. Mandal has directly impacted more than 10,000 farmers through technology dissemination, field demonstrations, agro-advisory services, and farmer-centric training programs. He has organized:

• 436 specialized training programmes
• 202 field demonstrations and diagnostic visits
• Numerous awareness campaigns on sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture

He has also delivered 86 expert talks through All India Radio, Doordarshan, and regional television channels, contributing significantly to mass agricultural communication and rural knowledge dissemination.

Academic Leadership & Professional Affiliations

Dr. Mandal actively contributes to academic and professional organizations. He serves as:

• Joint Secretary, Indian Society of Agronomy – Sriniketan Chapter
• Editorial Board Member, International Journal of Economic Plants

He holds life memberships in several prestigious scientific societies including:

• Indian Society of Agronomy
• Society of Krishi Vigyan
• Society of Fertilizers and Environment
• Indian Society of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (ISSLUP)
• Academy for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (AAAS)

Awards & Recognitions

Dr. Mandal’s scientific excellence and extension contributions have been recognized through several prestigious honours, including:

• Samaj Bandhu Award (2024) for agricultural excellence
• Young Scientist Award (2018) jointly conferred by Society of Krishi Vigyan, Association of Aquaculturists, and ICAR-CIFA
• Best Paper Presentation Award (2018)
• Best Poster Presentation Award (2016) by the Indian Society of Agronomy

Eligibility for Distinguished Scientist Award

Dr. Subrata Mandal is highly eligible for the Distinguished Scientist Award in Scientific Laurels considering his outstanding and sustained contributions to agricultural science, research innovation, extension education, and rural development.

His eligibility is strongly supported by the following achievements:

• Nearly 29 years of cumulative experience in agricultural research and extension
• Leadership as Senior Scientist & Head of a reputed Krishi Vigyan Kendra under Visva-Bharati
• Successful management of 55 national and international scientific projects
• Significant contribution to climate-smart and sustainable agriculture
• Strong publication profile with 54 peer-reviewed papers and multiple academic books
• Large-scale farmer outreach benefiting over 10,000 farmers
• Exceptional contribution to agricultural capacity building through 436 training programmes
• National recognition through Young Scientist and other professional awards
• Active involvement in scientific societies, editorial activities, and academic leadership

Dr. Mandal’s multidisciplinary scientific contributions, extension leadership, publication excellence, and dedication to sustainable agricultural advancement make him a deserving candidate for the Distinguished Scientist Award in Scientific Laurels.