| AAU - Citrus and Plantation Crops Research Station, Assam Agricultural University | INDIA
Dr. Nilim Kalita is an accomplished agricultural scientist specializing in Soil Science, Natural Resource Management, Organic Farming, and Climate-Resilient Agriculture. He is currently serving as Scientist (Soil Science) at the AAU-Citrus and Plantation Crops Research Station, Tinsukia under Assam Agricultural University since November 2021.
Earlier, he served for more than a decade at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), AAU as Subject Matter Specialist (Soil Science) from 2011 to 2021 and as Farm Manager from 2009 to 2011. Through these assignments, he has significantly contributed to sustainable agricultural development, farmer-oriented extension activities, soil fertility management, and climate-smart farming practices in Assam and the North Eastern Himalayan region of India.
Research Contributions & Areas of Expertise
Dr. Kalita’s research focuses on:
- Soil fertility and soil health management
- Organic and natural farming systems
- Climate-resilient agriculture
- Watershed and hill agriculture management
- Sustainable nutrient management
- Jhum cultivation and land restoration
- Citrus and plantation crop management
- Soil carbon dynamics and land use studies
He has played key roles as Principal Investigator, Co-Principal Investigator, and Co-Investigator in several major projects funded by Government of Assam, ICAR, DBT, and AAU. His notable projects include:
- Establishment of Natural Farming and Organic Agriculture
- Phytochemical characterization and nutrient profiling of Citrus germplasm in North East India
- Reclamation of coal mining contaminated agricultural lands in Assam
- Jhum cultivation under climate change scenario
- Oil palm intercropping systems for livelihood security
Dr. Kalita is also a certified Master Trainer for Organic Growers under the Agricultural Skill Council of India and actively contributes to farmer training, sustainable farming promotion, and agricultural extension.
Publications & Scholarly Achievements
Dr. Nilim Kalita has an impressive academic record with:
- 21 Research Papers in reputed national and international journals
- 22 Conference/Proceedings Papers
- 3 Book Chapters
- 3 Training Manuals
- 14 Extension Bulletins and Technical Publications
- 32 Popular Articles
- 4 Web Articles
- Participation in 12 Radio Programmes broadcast through All India Radio
His research papers have appeared in reputed journals such as:
- Ecological Indicators
- Journal of Soil and Water Conservation
- Indian Journal of Agricultural Research
- Annals of Plant and Soil Research
- Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science
His research contributions have particularly advanced knowledge in:
- Sustainable hill agriculture
- Soil conservation and fertility
- Organic nutrient management
- Climate-smart agricultural technologies
- Land use impacts on soil ecosystems
Awards & Recognitions
Dr. Kalita has received several prestigious national and international recognitions for his scientific contributions:
National Awards
- Best Paper Award – National Seminar on Doubling Farmers’ Income (2017)
- Best Poster Award – National Conference on Natural Resource Management for Climate Smart Sustainable Agriculture (2017)
- Best Paper Award – 30th National Web Conference on Soil and Water Management Technologies (2021)
International Awards
- Best Poster Award – 2nd Asian Web Conference on Managing Hill Resources and Diversities for Zero Hunger and Climate Resilience (2021)
- Third Best Poster Award – International Conference on Next-Gen Preparedness for Food Security and Environmental Sustainability (2023)
Training & Capacity Building
Dr. Kalita has successfully completed several specialized national training programs and faculty development courses in:
- Biofertilizers and biopesticides
- Water management
- Conservation agriculture
- Integrated nutrient management
- Climate-resilient agriculture
- Soil health management
- Natural farming
- Data analysis using R software
These trainings have strengthened his multidisciplinary expertise in sustainable agriculture and natural resource conservation.
Eligibility for Outstanding Scientist Award
Dr. Nilim Kalita is highly eligible for the Outstanding Scientist Award in Scientific Laurels considering his distinguished contributions in agricultural sciences, particularly in Soil Science, Climate-Resilient Agriculture, Organic Farming, and Sustainable Natural Resource Management.
His eligibility is strongly supported by:
- More than 15 years of professional scientific and extension experience
- Significant research contributions addressing sustainable agriculture and climate resilience in the North Eastern Himalayan region
- Leadership as Principal Investigator and Co-PI in multiple government-funded research projects
- High-quality publications in reputed national and international journals
- Recognition through multiple national and international awards for research excellence
- Extensive contributions to farmer-centric technologies, extension bulletins, and capacity-building programs
- Active involvement in organic farming, natural farming promotion, and sustainable livelihood development
Dr. Kalita’s work has created measurable impact in soil health improvement, climate-smart agriculture, watershed management, and sustainable farming systems, making him a deserving candidate for prestigious scientific recognition such as the Outstanding Scientist Award in Scientific Laurels.