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Meghalaya’s Pranab Dutta wins Sharda Lele Memorial Award for plant pathology excellence

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Shillong, Feb 2: Pranab Dutta, an esteemed figure in the field of plant pathology from Meghalaya has been awarded the prestigious Sharda Lele Memorial Award by the Indian Phytopathological Society in recognition of his contributions to plant disease management, biopesticide development, and agricultural sustainability.

Dutta is presently working as a Professor at the College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Ri Bhoi, Meghalaya.

The award is given for making significant basic or applied research leading to results of practical importance in the field of plant pathology preferably on “Diseases of Fruits and Vegetables”.

The Indian Phytopathological Society (IPS) is a professional society for promoting the cause of the science of Phytopathology. The Society focuses on the fields of Mycology, Plant Pathology, Bacteriology, Virology, Phytoplasmology, and Nematology.

Dutta’s work has been instrumental in advancing sustainable agricultural practices. He has standardized ten technologies for liquid formulations of indigenous biocontrol agents, with an impressive shelf life of 16 months. His innovations have been commercialized through Green Biotech Eco Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Manipur, and two technologies have been transferred to the governments of Meghalaya and Nagaland, as well as to JVES, West Bengal, and M/S Larry Enterprise, Meghalaya.

Dutta’s prolific academic output includes over 180 research and review articles, 70 book chapters, and 27 books. He holds two granted patents and has deposited 14 genome sequences of microorganisms. His extensive contributions have shaped the academic and practical landscape of plant pathology.

His contributions extend beyond formulations. He has developed five organic cultivation packages for agricultural crops, recommended by Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat, and the Department of Agriculture, Assam. He also established a biopesticide production unit and communication cell at the College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CPGSAS), Umiam, and spearheaded the creation of a state-of-the-art nanotechnology lab at AAU, Jorhat. His green-engineered protocols for synthesizing nanoparticles of silver, gold, copper, and zinc oxide are pivotal for agricultural applications.

Dutta has handled 16 completed and nine ongoing externally funded projects as a Principal Investigator (PI) or co-PI. His collaborative research spans national and international institutions, with 20 partnerships to his credit. As an academic mentor, he has guided 17 MSc and five PhD students as chairperson and served on advisory committees for over 150 postgraduate students.

Dutta’s expertise has earned him numerous accolades, including the Sir E.J. Butler Memorial Award (2024) from the Indian Mycological Society and the Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Scientist Award (2019). He is a Fellow of multiple prestigious societies, including the Society of Plant Protection Science and the Linnean Society of London.

He has served as a visiting faculty member at the Centre of Excellence on Nanotechnology, Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, and delivered keynote lectures at international conferences, including the MISA Conference at the University of Central Florida, USA. His editorial roles include serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Plant Health Archives and Sectional Editor of Indian Phytopathology.

Also Read: Meghalaya’s smart meter rollout faces delays

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