Dr. Lakshman De won Nobel Research Award
in the field of Horticulture

BY SCIENTIFIC LAURELS

| ICAR-NRC for Orchids, India | INDIA

Dr. Lakshman Chandra De is a distinguished Principal Scientist in the Department of Horticulture at the ICAR–National Research Centre for Orchids (NRC for Orchids), India. With a career spanning 28 years in floriculture research and extension, he has significantly contributed to horticultural sciences, particularly in floriculture and landscaping.

His administrative experience includes:

  • 4 years as officiating Joint Director

  • 3 years as KVK In-charge at ICAR A.P. Centre, Basar

  • 2½ years as In-charge, Horticulture Division at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam

  • Experience as In-charge, Tissue Culture Section at CPRS, Upper Shillong

  • Presently serving as In-charge, Horticulture Section at NRC for Orchids, Pakyong

He has also played a pivotal role in training, capacity building, technology dissemination, and horticultural development across India’s Northeastern Region.

Significant Achievements

Dr.Lakshman Chandra De’s professional output reflects exceptional scientific productivity and leadership:

  • 165 research papers

  • 79 popular articles

  • 17 conference proceedings

  • 28 books

  • 33 book chapters/review articles

  • 39 bulletins and 10 technical manuals

  • 107 research abstracts

  • 37 research/technical reports

  • 2577 Google Scholar citations

  • H-index: 26 | i-10 index: 78

  • Recipient of 24 National Awards and 16 International Awards

  • Attended 23 national trainings

  • Organized 139 meetings/training programmes

  • Delivered/participated in 159 invited lectures and training programmes

  • Acted as Reviewer/Editor for 37 scientific articles

  • Evaluated 10 research projects

These achievements position Dr. De among the most prolific floriculture and horticulture researchers in the Indian National Agricultural Research System (NARS).

Notable Contributions

Dr.Lakshman Chandra De has contributed extensively to India’s horticultural advancement through multidisciplinary research and developmental initiatives. Major contributions include:

1. Advancement of Floriculture and Orchid Science

  • Developed and refined production, protection, and post-harvest technologies for orchids.

  • Led research on anthurium, gerbera, gladiolus, chrysanthemum, improving agrotechniques and productivity.

  • Strengthened orchid propagation, production management, and post-harvest handling techniques.

2. Horticultural Technology Development

  • Worked on agro-forestry systems, integrated farming systems, IPNS for vegetable and fruit production, and watershed-based technologies.

  • Enhanced citrus improvement, tropical and subtropical fruit evaluation, and vegetable and ornamental crop introduction.

3. Capacity Building and Extension

  • Extensively trained farmers, extension workers, and horticulturists.

  • Delivered over 150 invited lectures and coordinated large-scale training programmes.

  • Played a major role in the Technology Mission for Horticulture Development in NE states including Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir.

4. Support for National Research and Policy Initiatives

  • Contributed to DUS testing, varietal protection, and mega seed projects.

  • Supported national horticulture development programmes through evidence-based research.

Eligibility for a Nobel Research Award

While actual eligibility for any internationally recognized award depends on the rules and decisions of the awarding body, Dr. Lakshman Chandra De’s body of work meets several criteria commonly associated with high-prestige scientific recognitions, such as:

  • Sustained scientific contributions over nearly three decades

  • High-impact research output with a strong citation record

  • Practical technologies that positively influence farmers, horticultural industries, and regional economies

  • Significant national and international awards already recognizing his excellence

  • Leadership in scientific administration, capacity building, and technology transfer

  • Notable societal impact, especially in India’s northeastern horticultural development

Given these accomplishments, Dr.Lakshman Chandra De could be considered a strong candidate for major scientific laurels or research excellence recognitions within the horticultural and agricultural sciences domain.