Dr. Mukesh Sehgal stands as a luminary in the field of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), renowned for his expertise and contributions as a Principal Scientist at the ICAR-National Research Centre for Integrated Pest Management in New Delhi. With a career spanning decades. Dr. Sehgal has etched a remarkable trajectory marked by academic brilliance, groundbreaking research, and transformative impacts on agricultural practices across India.

Hailing from Delhi, Dr. Sehgal embarked on his academic journey with unwavering dedication and a thirst for knowledge. His schooling in the bustling capital city laid the foundation for his illustrious career, characterized by a pursuit of excellence and a commitment to agricultural innovation. Graduating with distinction, he earned a B.Sc (Hons) degree with a Roll of Honour, garnering recognition from esteemed institutions such as the Department of Telecommunication, Government of India, and Delhi University, where he received the prestigious P. Maheswari Memorial Award.

Driven by a passion for scientific inquiry, Dr. Sehgal pursued higher education at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi. There, he embarked on a journey of academic exploration, earning both a Master’s and Ph.D. degree with distinction. His academic prowess was further affirmed by the receipt of Junior and Senior Fellowships, attesting to his intellectual acumen and scholarly dedication.

Armed with a formidable academic background, Dr. Sehgal embarked on a career path that would redefine the landscape of pest management in agriculture. His journey as an agricultural scientist began with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), where he cleared the prestigious ICAR-ARS exam with flying colors, securing the second rank nationwide in his subject. This feat catapulted him into the realm of agricultural research, where he commenced his tenure at the ICAR-National Research Centre for Integrated Pest Management (NCIPM) in New Delhi.

At ICAR- NCIPM, Dr. Sehgal’s expertise and vision found fertile ground, enabling him to make significant strides in the realm of IPM. With a focus on rice cultivation, he assumed leadership roles as the Rice Team Leader, spearheading initiatives to develop IPM toolboxes tailored to various rice cropping systems. His endeavors bore fruit in regions such as Mandya and Shimoga in Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura, and Mizoram, where his innovative approaches led to tangible improvements in pest management practices.

Beyond his role as a scientist, Dr. Sehgal’s commitment to agricultural development extended to marginalized communities and tribal regions. As a Nodal Officer and Principal Investigator of the Tribal Sub Plan, he championed initiatives aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of tribal farmers across states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura, Udaipur, and Uttar Pradesh. Through location-specific interventions and the implementation of IPM strategies, Dr. Sehgal succeeded in doubling the income of tribal farmers, thereby fostering economic empowerment and social upliftment.

Dr. Sehgal’s contributions to the field of IPM extend beyond his research endeavors, as evidenced by his prolific literary output and academic collaborations. As a co-editor of the Handbook of IPM and author of numerous publications, he has disseminated invaluable knowledge and insights to fellow scientists and practitioners. His scholarly contributions encompass over 120 research papers, 43 book chapters, and 31 technical and extension folders, reflecting his deep-seated commitment to advancing agricultural science and practice.

In recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions, Dr. Sehgal has received numerous accolades and honors from esteemed National and international institutions. Among prestigious awards as Dr M S Swaminathan , Outstanding IPM Scientist and the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Award to global recognitions like the Global Teacher Award, Dr. Sehgal’s accolades serve as a testament to his unwavering dedication and exemplary service to the agricultural community.

In conclusion, Dr. Mukesh Sehgal’s journey as an agricultural scientist epitomizes the spirit of innovation, excellence, and service. Through his pioneering research, transformative initiatives, and scholarly endeavors, he has left an indelible mark on the field of Integrated Pest Management, revolutionizing agricultural practices and improving the lives of farmers across India.

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