Our StaffOur Staff

Dr. Nandkumar Kunchge is Director of K. J. Somaiya Institute of Applied Agricultural Research (KIAAR), Sameerwadi, Karnataka. He served agricultural community for more than 30 years through seeds industries (Mahyco, Mahabeej, Bejo Sheetal/ Kalash seeds) as Principal scientist and later as Director (Biotechnology) for six years.

His research interest has been focused on agricultural development applying modern tools, experienced in crop biotechnology: Development of genetically modified crops (recalcitrant crops like Cajanus cajan, Allium cepa), biosafety studies of Bt. Brinjal (A complete make in India product), regulatory affairs, doubled haploids (Solanaceae & Cucurbits), polyploids, plant protoplasts, molecular breeding, micro propagation. Keeps keen interest in precision & organic agriculture with sustainable eco-friendly systems to conserve & enhance natural plethora

Dr. Nandkumar has led multiple projects as Principal Investigator, supported by BIRAC, DBT Govt. of India under PPP model, coordinated for systematization of programs with International linkage to keep pace with global standards (e.g. ISTA accreditation) In this context travelled to more than 12 counties, led technology negotiations with IPR awareness.

Dr. Nandkumar has been selected as Cochran Fellow, by USDA, USA in 2015 & represented India seed industry. He is passionate in scientific networking, technology hunting & its judicial applications, He has published a book chapter, five research papers, delivered lectures in training program (e.g. IARI, IIVR), organized trainers training programs, workshops, International Conference (AgTech Global Summit 2012), African delegation study tours (2013-2023). Also mentored more than 25 students for their masters & Industrial sandwich training program (BCIL supported), guided 3 Ph. D students as co-guide, working as Adjunct Professor for Institute of Chemical Technology (Marathwada Centre). He serves as member on board of studies for various Universities.

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Dr. Chidanand A. Rabinal is a Principal Scientist in the Department of Biotechnology at K. J. Somaiya Institute of Applied Agricultural Research. He obtained his master’s and Ph.D. degree from the University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad.

Dr. Chidanand A. Rabinal is specialized in gene cloning, transcriptome studies, plant tissue culture, development of monoclonal antibody (Phage display), plant and bacterial transformation, molecular breeding. He is presently handling the plant tissue culture laboratory and water budget program. He involved in surveying and installing the water sensors to monitor the aquifers in real-time to provide customized water usage suggestions to farmers,as well as in the production of foundation sugarcane seed through micropropagation, and optimizing the plant tissue culture media for newly released varieties.

Dr. Chidanand A. Rabinal joined KIAAR in June 2024. Prior to joining KIAAR, he served as the Dean (i/c) at Bharatiya Engineering, Science and Technology Innovation University, Gorantla. He handled an independent project with a grant-in-aid of Rs. 14 lakhs from DBT-BIRAC, New Delhi for his Post-Doctoral Studies at UAS Dharwad.

Dr. Chidanand A. Rabinal has published 30 publications including scientific research papers, symposium research papers, magazine, and a book chapter. He delivered a lecture in the ICAR 21 days training program. He has a strong interest in molecular plant science, engineering the pathways and plant behavioural studies under various factors.

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Dr. Adiveppa Asangi obtained his masters’ and Ph.D. degree from University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore with specialization in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry. He is the recipient of University Gold Medal for his Masters’ studies. Dr. Adiveppa Asangi is specialized in soil health, crop nutrition, soil nutrient transformation, amelioration of problematic soils and carbon sequestration. He is currently working on carbon sequestration, soil test crop response (STCR) approach, biochar application and soil mapping.

Dr. Adiveppa Asangi joined KIAAR in May 2022. Before joining KIAAR, He worked as Research Associate at UAS Dharwad under the project “Organic jaggery production”, as a Cane officer at Indian Cane Power Limited (ICPL), Mudhol and as Deputy Manager (Cane Development) in a startup company.

He has well experience in assessing soil health and irrigation water quality and suggesting farmers regarding their soil health and nutrient management. He also involved in all the research activities and assists in farm management, development and transfer of technologies to farming community. He has lot of interest in soil quality assessment, climate change, carbon sequestration, carbon farming, remote sensing and soil mapping.

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Mrs. Vrushali Deshmukh is a Soil Scientist at K. J. Somaiya Institute of Applied Agricultural Research (KIAAR), Sameerwadi. Vrushali is specialized in Land Resource Management under Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry. She has completed Master's degree in National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use planning (NBSS&LUP), Nagpur. She is handling Soil Science laboratory and Vermicompost production. She is involved in analyzing soil, water and leaf samples for nutrients and reclamation. She is also involved in giving customized recommendations to farmers about the application of fertilizers, organic manures and soil amendments based on soil analysis and target yield.

Vrushali joined KIAAR, Sameerwadi in Jan 2020. Before joining KIAAR, she worked as an Assistant Professor at Sahyadri College of Agricultural Engineering, Karad. On-campus, you can find her involved in soil research, visiting farmer's fields for soil sample collection, tutoring the farmers about new agricultural technologies and arranging training programme for farmers to covey importance of “Soil Testing and reclamation of soils”. She has lots of interest in travelling and enjoys playing outdoor games like Basketball and badminton.

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He completed his Master’s Degree in Microbiology from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, in 2019.

He possesses over six years of extensive professional experience in the corporate sector, with specialization in agricultural microbiology, biofertilizer technology, crop nutrition, and crop protection. Throughout his career, he has successfully developed and commercialized approximately 16–20 biological formulations, including biofertilizers, biostimulants, and bio pesticides aimed at enhancing sustainable agricultural productivity.

He has also led and managed international research projects associated with Brazil- and Europe-based collaborations, focusing on the management of soybean stink bug and root- knot nematodes. His technical expertise includes, Product Development, quality assurance, industrial-scale production, and innovative biological solutions for sustainable farming systems.

His professional interests are centered on advancing eco-friendly agricultural technologies, improving soil health, and developing next-generation biological products for integrated crop management practices.

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