Dr. (Mrs.) Daisy Basandrai borne on 14^th March 1965, did her Ph.D. in Genetics from Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana in 1989. Presently, she is working as Associate Director (Extension) cum  Principal Scientist (Plant Breeding) at CSKHPKV, Palampur. In addition to it, she has been given the responsibility of Chairperson, IPR cell of the university and Technical Cell of the Department.

Dr. (Mrs.) Daisy Basandrai has contributed enormously in the field of Plant Breeding and Genetics. She has worked on breeding for disease resistance and contributed to the development of 20 varieties  in rice (Him Palam Dhan 1, Him Palam Dhan 2, Him Palam Lal Dhan 1, Sikkim Dhan 1 and Sikkim Dhan 2), chickpea (Himachal Chana 1, Himachal Chana 2. Him Palam Chana 1 and GPF 2), lentil (Markanday), cowpea (Himachal Lobiya 1 and Himachal Lobiya 2), urdbean (Himachal Mash 1),  summer moongbean (SML 668), soybean (Palam Soya 1, Him Palam Hara Soya 1, Harit Soya, Palam Early Soya), horsegram (VLG 1) and wheat (Him Palam Gehun 1). She has contributed to the development of several genetic stocks in wheat, urdbean, chickpea, lentil, flax and rice with multiple resistance to biotic stresses. She has collaborated with NBPGR to identify rust and powdery mildew resistant wild genotypes of lentil which have been registered with NBPGR. She is associated with development of package and practices for the management of web blight of urdbean and Alternaria leaf spot of  mustard. She has standardized the micro propagation protocols for  crops like gerbera, carnations, ginger and strawberry. She has completed more than 27 research projects funded from outside agencies (DBT, ICAR, RKVY, HTM, PKKKY, JICA etc.) and developed collaboration with international Institutes like ICRISAT, ICARDA, AVRDC and CIMMYT. She teaches courses in Plant Breeding and Genetics viz. Principles of Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biotechnology for Crop Improvement etc. She is also guiding 4 M.Sc. and 2 Ph.D students for their research work. Five  M.Sc. and 3 Ph.D students has completed their research work . Published 70 research papers in journals of national and international repute ie  Plant Pathology, Plant Breeding, PLOS One, Euphytica, European Journal of Plant Pathology, Scientific Reports Nature, Nature Foods etc. Published 10 book chapters and edited  two  books.

Dr. (Mrs.) Daisy Basandrai has received many prestigious awards viz. ICAR Jawaharlal Nehru Best Thesis Award for Ph.D. in Genetics (1990), Vice Chancellor’s Appreciation Team Award (2002 and 2003). She was selected for 15^th BWIC at CIMMYT Mexico (2015), Visiting Scientist, ICRISAT, Patencheru (1999) and as a member  of the delegation of pulses scientists to visit ICARDA, Syria (2006). She is also fellow of Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding.