Principal Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, India 📜
Dr. Surendra Kumar Malik is a renowned scientist specializing in fruit genetic resource management, agrobiodiversity conservation, cryopreservation, and ecosystem sustainability. With over three decades of experience at ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, he has significantly contributed to plant biotechnology, tissue culture, and community seed systems. His pioneering research has played a crucial role in conserving tropical and underutilized fruit species, ensuring their sustainability for future generations. As a Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer, Dr. Malik led several key agricultural programs, enhancing farmers’ outreach and biodiversity preservation. His expertise in ex-situ conservation, genetic resource management, and cryopreservation techniques has earned him widespread recognition in the scientific community. 🌱🔬
Profile
Google Scholar
Education 🎓
Dr. Malik pursued his higher education at the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, where he obtained an M.Sc. in Botany (Plant Physiology) in 1983 and a Ph.D. in Botany in 1987. His doctoral research focused on the physiological responses of plant species, laying the foundation for his future work in genetic conservation, biotechnology, and tissue culture techniques. His academic journey equipped him with the expertise to develop innovative strategies for safeguarding plant biodiversity and optimizing conservation methodologies. 📖🏫
Experience 🏅
Dr. Malik has had a distinguished career at ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, spanning from 1990 to 2024. He held various leadership positions, including Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer (2021-2024), Principal Scientific Officer to Secretary DARE and DG ICAR (2017-2021), and Senior Scientist (2006-2012). Throughout his career, he spearheaded multiple national and international projects on plant genetic resources, conservation techniques, and sustainable farming practices. His work in NEH and TSP SubPlan projects has contributed significantly to the development of community seed systems and farmers’ outreach programs. His expertise in cryopreservation, biotechnology, and plant tissue culture has played a pivotal role in securing India’s agricultural biodiversity. 🌿💡
Research Interests 🔬
Dr. Malik’s research revolves around fruit genetic resource management, cryopreservation, tissue culture, and agrobiodiversity conservation. His primary focus is on ex-situ conservation techniques for rare and underutilized plant species, ensuring their survival for future agricultural advancements. He has extensively worked on biotechnological approaches in plant conservation, particularly in embryo cryopreservation, pollen storage, and genetic diversity assessment. His contributions to community seed systems and food sustainability have influenced agricultural policies and research worldwide. His work integrates modern biotechnology with traditional conservation methods, promoting sustainable and resilient farming systems. 🌾🧬
Awards & Recognitions 🏆
Dr. Malik’s groundbreaking research in plant genetic conservation and biotechnology has earned him numerous accolades and recognitions. His expertise in cryopreservation, biodiversity conservation, and agrobiodiversity sustainability has been widely acknowledged in the scientific community. He has been actively involved in developing conservation strategies for tropical fruit species, which have significantly impacted India’s agricultural and environmental sustainability initiatives. His work has not only contributed to the scientific advancement of plant conservation but has also benefited farmers and policymakers in developing sustainable agricultural systems. 🎖️🌍
Publications 📚
Desiccation and freezing sensitivity in recalcitrant seeds of tea, cocoa and jackfruit (1995) – Annals of Botany (Cited by 192 articles)
Plant regeneration from various explants of cultivated Piper species (1995) – Plant Cell Reports (Cited by 184 articles)
Rapid in vitro multiplication and conservation of Garcinia indica (2005) – Scientia Horticulturae (Cited by 181 articles)
Genetic Resources of Tropical Underutilized Fruits in India (2010) – National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (Cited by 137 articles)
Plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis in ginger (1993) – Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (Cited by 113 articles)
Collection and Characterization of Citrus indica and C. macroptera (2006) – Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution (Cited by 86 articles)
Cryopreservation of embryonic axes of two wild Citrus species (2006) – Plant Genetic Resources (Cited by 66 articles)
Conclusion
Dr. S.K. Malik is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, given his pioneering contributions to plant genetic resource conservation and biotechnology. His expertise in fruit genetics, cryopreservation, and ecosystem sustainability has had a lasting impact on scientific research and agricultural practices.