
Dr. Bhupender Kumar born on 27th December,
1981 in H.P. had received his B.Sc. Ag. degree from CSKHPKV Palampur, H.P, and
P.G. & Ph.D. in Genetics from ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. Presently, he is
working as a Scientist, Sr. scale in the Division of Crop improvement at
ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR), Ludhiana, Punjab (Posted at its
Delhi office). He is intensely working on basic and applied science of
improving maize for high yielding.
As first developer, he has released ten
single cross hybrids of maize through CVRC, and registered two germplasm
lines as genetic stock at NBPGR. Of ten hybrids, one was dedicated to nation by
our Hon’ble Prime Minister as bio-fortified hybrid. Further, out of ten
hybrids, six have been commercialized by signing more than 16 MoUs with
different private seed companies. Among ten, 03 hybrids together have
registered highest DAC breeder seeds demand (33.5 % share of the total indent)
in the country for year 2021. Since released, most of these hybrids (07) have
entered in seeds chain. He is associated in development and release of two more
QPM hybrids and germplasm lines registration.
He has studied inheritance patterns,
developed RILs mapping populations and association mapping panel, as well as
identified resistant sources and mapped QTLs for important disease(s)
resistance and popping traits in maize. He has also identified suitable
selection indices for selection of drought tolerant maize, and standardised rapid
method of screening maize for drought tolerance.
As a collaborator, he has contributed in
standardising protocol for callus induction and regeneration using mature seeds
derived nodal ex-plants, identification of mega-environments for baby corn
evaluation in India and studying G × E × M interaction in conservation
agriculture.
Dr. Kumar has published over 45
peer-reviewed research papers and review articles in NAAS rating of up to
12.55, 10 book chapters, 08 technical bulletins/Newsletter, 12 popular articles,
and edited 11 annual reports and one book. He has received several awards
including NAAS Associateship, DST early career research award, ICAR-IIMR Best
scientist recognition, Dr. N. N. Singh young scientist award of
MTAI, Prof. Mahatim Singh memorial award of SAWBAR, Young Scientist
Award of SSDAT, and Appreciation certificates from ICAR-IIMR, Ludhiana. He had
visited Mexico and Thailand countries and received DST travel grant for
presenting his research findings at abroad.