With over two decades of experience in breeding programs, Dr Gupta is involved in the development and release of several cultivars of pearl millet and pulse crops.
The Executive Council of the Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding (ISGPB) has conferred the prestigious title of “Fellow of the ISGPB” upon ICRISAT scientist Dr S.K. Gupta in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of genetics and plant breeding. The award ceremony took place at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi.
With over two decades of experience in breeding programs, Dr Gupta is involved in the development and release of several cultivars of pearl millet and pulse crops. He has managed seed and restorer parental line development programs for pearl millet breeding at ICRISAT, where he developed a series of seed and restorer parental lines.
Dr Gupta is actively engaged in the genetic and cytoplasmic diversification of pearl millet hybrids. He has uncovered the genetics of several important traits in pearl millet and various pulse crops and has identified donors for critical traits.
Globally, while working with many Agricultural Research Institutes, Dr Gupta has been instrumental in standardizing the genomic selection model, enhancing the understanding of heterotic pools, and identifying key mechanisms for flowering period heat tolerance in pearl millet.
Director General of ICRISAT, Dr. Jacqueline Hughes, applauded Dr. Gupta for the well-deserved recognition, stating that this fellowship stands as a powerful testament to his unwavering dedication and significant contributions to plant breeding, particularly in enhancing the productivity and resilience of marginal farms in arid and semi-arid regions.
Dr. Surinder Kumar Vasal, World Food Prize Laureate, presented the fellowship to Dr. Gupta during a ceremony attended by esteemed members of the ISGPB.
The event also featured Dr Vasal’s delivery of the inaugural Bharat Ratna Prof. M. S. Swaminathan Memorial Lecture, before the awards presentation.
