| Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu | INDIA
Dr. Pradeep K. Rai is a distinguished academician, researcher, and agricultural scientist with over 22 years of experience in teaching, research, and extension activities in the fields of Soil Science, Soil Fertility, Agricultural Microbiology, Climate-Smart Agriculture, and Organic Farming. He is presently serving as Professor (Soil Science) and Chief Scientist at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu).
He began his professional career as a Junior Scientist (Soil Science) in 2004, progressing to Senior Scientist (Soil Science) (2016–2019) and subsequently to Professor/Chief Scientist (Soil Science) from 2019 onwards. His career reflects sustained contributions towards agricultural research, education, innovation, and technology dissemination.
Research Contributions & Innovations
Dr. Rai has made significant contributions in the areas of soil health management, microbial technology, sustainable agriculture, and stress-resilient crop production. He developed four important microbial bio-formulations:
- Rhizobium spp. (powder and liquid formulations)
- Azotobacter crococcum (powder and liquid formulations)
- Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) formulations
- Crop-specific biofertilizer for French bean
He also identified bio-inoculants for improving drought tolerance in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), supporting climate-resilient agriculture.
His research involvement includes major national projects under ICAR and IARI, including:
- Production System Research (PSR) and Technology Assessment & Refinement (TAR) projects under IVLP.
- National project on maize productivity assessment using crop modelling and remote sensing.
- Development of Project Research Information System Module (PRISM) under the Rice-Wheat Consortium with CIMMYT.
Externally Funded Projects
As Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI), Dr. Rai has successfully secured and executed several externally funded research and development projects, including:
- Agro-technique refinement and biological suppression of anar butterfly for wild pomegranate in Jammu & Kashmir (Funded by HTMM).
- Promotion of soil health testing for food and livelihood security of farming communities (Funded by NABARD).
- Technological intervention and capacity building to promote entrepreneurship and enhance agricultural income in the outreach Himalayas of Jammu region, J&K (Funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India).
- Documentation, revival, and upscaling of Indigenous Knowledge Systems for scientific development in the Pir Panjal and Shivalik ranges of Jammu & Kashmir (Funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India).
- J&K Soil and Land Resource Information System under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) (Funded by the Government of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir).
- Innovative Extension Approaches for Promoting Agriculture in Jammu & Kashmir (Funded by the Government of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir).
These projects have contributed significantly to sustainable agriculture, soil resource management, entrepreneurship development, indigenous knowledge conservation, and agricultural extension services in the Himalayan region.
Academic Excellence & Publications
Dr. Rai has an outstanding research record with:
- 90+ peer-reviewed scientific research papers
- 50 book chapters
- 2 edited books
- 9 training manuals/compendiums
- 10 conference proceedings
- 220+ popular articles
- 125 conference abstracts
His research impact includes:
- Google Scholar h-index: 18
- Total citations: 1495
- i10-index: 25
He has served as a reviewer for reputed international journals including Nature, Scientific Reports, and other international scientific publications.
Institution Building & Administrative Leadership
Dr. Rai has played a key role in strengthening institutional systems at SKUAST-Jammu. His leadership responsibilities include:
- Nodal Officer – ICAR, SKUAST-Jammu
- Nodal Officer – Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
- Nodal Officer – Indian Agricultural Universities Association (IAUA)
- Coordinator – Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), SKUAST-Jammu
- Nodal Officer – NIRF Ranking
- Nodal Officer – Sports, SKUAST-Jammu
He contributed to quality enhancement, accreditation processes, NEP 2020 implementation, university reporting systems, and national-level academic collaborations.
He established several important facilities including:
- Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), SKUAST-Jammu
- Soil & Water Testing Laboratory at Bhaderwah
- Soil & Water Testing Laboratory at KVK Jammu
- Plant Health Diagnostic Laboratory at KVK Jammu
- Soil and Plant Tissue Testing Laboratory at Advanced Centre for Horticulture Research, Udheywala
International Exposure & Collaborations
Dr. Rai has represented Indian agricultural research internationally through academic visits and scientific collaborations, including:
- CIMMYT-supported programmes in Bangladesh and Mexico
- International Conference at Udyana University, Bali, Indonesia (2023)
- International exposure training at Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand (2023)
- Resource person at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania (2025)
He received the ICAR–NAHEP-IDP International Fellowship (World Bank funded) for international exposure and training.
Awards & Recognitions
Dr. Pradeep K. Rai has received several prestigious recognitions, including:
- Young Scientist Award – Astha Foundation (2014)
- Leadership Award – Soil Conservation Society of India (2014)
- Excellence in Research Award (2016)
- Gold Medal Award – Asian Conference on Water and Land Management (2017)
- Communication Book Award (Hindi) – Soil Conservation Society of India (2019)
- National Fellow Award – Soil Conservation Society of India (2019)
- Fellow Mobilization Award – Society for Community Mobilization for Sustainable Development (Mobilization), India
- Global Achievement Award – Rifacimento International Publishing House (2025)
- 15 Best Research Paper Awards at national and international conferences
He has also contributed to agricultural innovation through patents, including:
- Smart Portable Aeroponic Tower
- Crop Diagnostic Analyzer
Professional Memberships & Editorial Contributions
Dr. Rai is associated with several national and international professional bodies, including:
- FAO International Network on Soil Pollution (INSOP)
- Indian Society of Soil Science
- World Association of Soil and Water Conservation
- Soil Conservation Society of India
- Academy for Natural Resource Conservation and Management
He has served as editor and technical reviewer for various agricultural publications and journals.
Eligibility for Distinguished Professor Award
Dr. Pradeep K. Rai is highly eligible for the Distinguished Professor Award in Scientific Laurels based on his exceptional contributions to agricultural sciences. His eligibility is supported by:
- More than two decades of excellence in teaching, research, and extension
- Outstanding contribution to soil science, biofertilizer technology, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable farming
- Development of innovative microbial formulations benefiting agricultural productivity
- Strong publication record with 90+ peer-reviewed papers and high citation impact
- Recognition through national and international awards
- Successful leadership in institutional development, quality assurance, and academic governance
- International research exposure and collaborations
- Contribution towards farmer-oriented technologies and capacity building
His sustained scientific achievements, academic leadership, research innovations, and commitment to sustainable agriculture make him a deserving candidate for the Distinguished Professor Award in Scientific Laurels.