Context:

• Prof. B.R. Kamboj, a distinguished agricultural scientist and academic leader, has been honored with the prestigious M.S. Swaminathan Award. This accolade recognizes his exceptional contributions to agricultural science and rural development, underscoring his pivotal role in enhancing agricultural practices and education in India.

Key Points:

• Prof. Kamboj hails from Daha village in the Karnal district of Haryana, a region known for its agricultural significance.
• His academic journey is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the field of agriculture. He completed his entire academic trajectory at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), where he earned his graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees. This deep-rooted connection with his alma mater has shaped his professional ethos and commitment to agricultural advancement.

Prof. Kamboj has held several prestigious positions throughout his career, reflecting his leadership and expertise in agricultural science:

• Vice Chancellor of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University: In this role, he has been instrumental in steering the university towards excellence in agricultural education and research.
• University Secretary: His administrative acumen was further demonstrated during his tenure as University Secretary, where he played a crucial role in policy formulation and implementation.
• Senior Coordinator at the Agricultural Science Center in Yamunanagar: Here, he focused on bridging the gap between research and practical application, ensuring that scientific advancements reached the farming community.
• International-level scientist: With approximately 300 research publications in national and international journals, Prof. Kamboj has established himself as a leading voice in agricultural research.

Award details

• The M.S. Swaminathan Award, named after the legendary agricultural scientist who played a crucial role in India's Green Revolution, was presented to Prof. Kamboj by the Governor of Karnataka.
• The award ceremony took place during the International Conference on 'One Health One World' at Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. This recognition not only honors Prof. Kamboj's individual contributions but also highlights the importance of agricultural science in addressing global challenges.

Key professional characteristics

• Prof. Kamboj is renowned for his collaborative research approach, which involves working closely with university scientists and agricultural practitioners.
• His commitment to developing farmer-centric agricultural recommendations is a hallmark of his research philosophy. He possesses a deep understanding of rural agricultural needs, which has enabled him to serve as a hub coordinator in several international projects aimed at improving agricultural practices.

Scientific contributions

• Prof. Kamboj's research contributions are extensive and impactful. With over 26 years of experience in teaching, research, and extension education, he has published around 300 research papers in various national and international journals.
• His work primarily focuses on understanding the socio-economic conditions of farmers and the agricultural challenges they face. This research is crucial for developing effective strategies that enhance productivity and sustainability in agriculture.