CURRICULUM VITAE

Dr. NIDHI VERMA

Principal Scientist

Agricultural Education Division

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

New Delhi -110 012, INDIA

Email: nidhipgr@gmail.com, Nidhi.Verma@icar.gov.in

Telephone: 91-11-25840647 (Office), 91-098 1155 8169 (Mobile)

PERSONAL STATEMENT

As a Scientist from the Agricultural Research Services (ARS), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), I have over twenty-five years of work experience in the government of India. I served at the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi and at the Agricultural Education Division, ICAR Headquarters, New Delhi in different capacities. My experiences include diverse kind of roles viz., Implementation of central sector schemes, Inputs and policy related matters, Intellectual Property Rights, Monitoring, Evaluation and Accreditation of Agricultural Universities, Gender issues, Research projects of national importance, Direct Benefit Transfer, Introduction and exchange of germplasm, Web portals, Coordination with stakeholders globally and nationally etc.

EDUCATION

PhD in Plant Genetic Resources (PGR), IARI, New Delhi

MPhil in Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi

MSc in Botany, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar

PG Diploma in Intellectual Property Rights, IGNOU, New Delhi

General e-course on Intellectual Property, WIPO, Geneva

General e-course on Leadership in the public sector, UNITAR, Geneva

General e-course on Developing gender-sensitive value chains from the UNITAR, Geneva

ACADEMIC IDENTITY

http://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=TvWJ3HYAAAAJandhl=en

https://vidwan.inflibnet.ac.in/profile/153371

https://education.icar.gov.in/aedo.aspx

https://dbtdare.icar.gov.in/Education_Division_Officials.aspx

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

INDIVIDUAL AWARD

Academic Professional Award (Female) at 2nd International Business and Academic Excellence Awards (IBAE) 2020.

Harit Puraskar (2018) during 4th National youth convention federating agri-youth in business group for remunerative agriculture at JNKVV, Jabalpur.

Kisan Sewa Samman, Swarnim Bharat Nirman, Swami Sahjanad Saraswati Kisan Soochna Kendra, New Delhi. 2012.

Scientist of the year Award, Hi- tech Horticultural Society, Meerut.2010.

Distinguished Scientist Award, Society for Recent Development in Agriculture, 2010.

Young Scientist Award, Society for Recent Development in Agriculture, Meerut. 2009.

First position, PhD (Plant Genetic Resources), IARI, New Delhi. 2007.

Fellow, Indian Society of Seed Technology (ISST), New Delhi. 2007.

First position, Agricultural Research Services Examination, ICAR, New Delhi. 1994.

Junior Research Fellowship, Center for Advance Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi. 1992.

First position, M.Sc. (Botany), Utkal University, Bhubaneswar.1991.

Fourth position, B.Sc. (Botany Honours), Utkal University, Bhubaneswar. 1989.

National Scholarship, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar. 1989-91.

TEAM AWARD

Best Oral Paper award during International Plant Physiology Virtual symposium on Physiological Interventions for climate smart agriculture (IPPVS, 2021), 2021.

Best paper award, IPR for genomic resources. International Conference on Global IPR system and WTO Issues. Meerut. 2013

Best Research paper award. World’s First Whole Genome based Microsatellite DNA Marker Database of Tomato: TomSatDB. National Conference on NexGen Biotechnology: Amalgamating Science and Technology Kurukshetra. 2012.

RESEARCH AND FACILITATION

INSTITUTIONAL PROJECTS

Principal Investigator, Import, export and inland supply of PGR in Fruits, Grain Legumes, Tubers, Narcotics and Beverages and exchange of related information to the scientists and users in the country. NBPGR Funded, New Delhi. 2001-2004, 2007-2015.

Co-Principal Investigator, Import, export and inland supply of PGR in Vegetables, Forages, Under Utilized Plants, Ornamentals, Spices and Condiments, Plantation crops and exchange of related information to the scientists and users in the country. NBPGR, New Delhi, 2001-2004, 2007-2015.

Co-Principal Investigator, Analyze the implications of national and international mechanisms and undertake case studies related to access and benefit sharing issues of PGRFA and development of model MTA options. 2013-15.

Co-Principal Investigator, Generation of database on feedback information, inventories and awareness on germplasm exchange. 1998-2005

 Documentation and dissemination of information on germplasm both imported and collected in the form of Plant Germplasm Reporter and preparation of crop inventories. 2001-2005, 2007-15.

Survey and assembly of literature on Plant Genetic Resources and documentation for elite /trait specific germplasm, 2001-2004, 2007-15

2. EXTERNALLY FUNDED PROJECTS

Associated Scientist, NATP subproject on Human Resources development under ToE mode. World Bank funded, NATP, 2001. (A component of mega project with total funding US$ 220.4 million

Co-Principal Investigator, Generation of database on feedback information and awareness generation, World Bank funded, NATP, 2005.  (Total funding -17 lakhs)

Co-Principal Investigator, Establishment of Germplasm Handling Unit (GHU) under NATP sub project on Documentation and information management. World Bank funded, NATP, 2005.

Co-Principal Investigator, Mass Multiplication of quality planting material of some new fruits as an alternative to diversify fruit cultivation in Himachal Pradesh. Technology mission for integrated development of Horticulture in Himachal Pradesh, 2011. (Total funding- Rs 15.65 lakhs)

Co-Principal Investigator, DAC-ICARDA-ICAR collaborative project under NFSM-Pulses on Generation advancement and development of new genotypes through pre-breeding in Lentil and Kabuli chickpea. NFSM pulses, DAC, Ministry of Agriculture, 2013. (Total finding Rs 296.59 lakhs).

Co-Principal Investigator, A network project on improvement of red gram titled: Improvement of pigeon pea for plant type, pod borer resistance and moisture stress tolerance. Indo- Swiss collaboration in Biotechnology (ISCB), 2015. (Total finding -Rs716 Lakhs)

ADMINISTRATION, COORDINATION AND POLICY INPUTS

Implementation of mega central sector scheme “Strengthening and development of Higher Agricultural Education in India’’ in seventy-four Agricultural Universities including Student READY comprising of Rural Awareness Work Experience (RAWE), In Plant Training, Students Projects and Experiential Learning; Library Strengthening including Consortium for e resources in Agriculture (CeRA), Tribal Sub Plan, National Talent Scholarship, etc.

Coordination with major genebanks of the world for international exchange of germplasm and with national parterns for establishment and feedback on its utilisation. Inputs for the International agreements including International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), Material Transfer Agreements (MTA), Bilateral Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) and other important documents related to Introduction and exchange of PGR.

MONITORING, EVALUATION AND ACCREDITATION OF AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITIES

As Member Secretary for the Monitoring and Evaluation committee and the Peer Review Team for Accreditation of ICAR; I have visited and evaluated the following Agricultural Universities in the country. The evaluation was done for funds management and utilization academic progress and overall progress of the agricultural university.

Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur

Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur

Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur

West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata

Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli

Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani

Nagaland University SASRD, Mezdiphema

Visva-Bharati University, Shantiniketan

ICAR - Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai

University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga

Agriculture University, Kota

Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, Pollachi

Jaipur National University, Jaipur

Forest College and Research Institute, Hyderabad at Mulugu

Khalsa College, Amritsar

PUBLICATIONS

Research papers in peer reviewed journals> 50

Books/ Book chapters -21

Invited presentations -22

Popular articles -5

Citations: 627, H index: 9

COPYRIGHTS

TomsatDb: Tomato Microsatellite Database SW-10689/2018

Management Information System of Direct Benefit Transfer schemes (MIS-DBT) SW-14087/2021

WEBPORTALS

Agricultural Education Portal (https://education.icar.gov.in/)

Direct Benefit Transfer-Management Information System (https://dbtdare.icar.gov.in/).

Student READY (Rural Entrepreneurship Awareness Development Yojana) portal.

Exotic Collection (EC) database at the NBPGR (http://exchange.nbpgr.ernet.in/).

IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES HELD

Chairperson of the Institute Complaint Committee (ICC), ICAR-Head quarter, New Delhi.

Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) under the Right to Information RTI Act.

Implementing Officer, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), DARE-ICAR, New Delhi.

Nodal Officer, Tribal Sub Plan and Skill development, Agricultural Education Division, ICAR, New Delhi.

Chairman and member of various committees for organization of national level programmes.

Member, Gender Budget Cell, ICAR, New Delhi.

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

Implementation of central sector scheme “Strengthening and Development of Higher Agricultural Education in India”.

Planning and inputs for Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) document for central sector scheme “Strengthening and Development of Higher Agricultural Education in India”. Inputs and comments on EFC documents of other Ministries viz., Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India.

Implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer in ICAR schemes across the country.

Technical planning and inputs for the ICAR- Central Institute of Women in Agriculture, and AICRP on Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar.

Introduction of new crops and Genetic stock in country viz., Ambarella, Argan tree, Babaco, Bee balm, Ceylon-olive, Lobi-lobi, Medlar, Pawpaw, Pouteria tree, Velvet Tamarind, Monarada, White sapote, Dragon fruit, introduction of Cowpea core collection and Lentil core collection.

Setting of Community Radio station in at various agricultural universities.

Analysis of Agricultural University Acts and proposals for nominations of ICAR representative on Board of Management/ Executive Council of various Agricultural Universities.

Organizing of major events at national level such as the Vice Chancellors conference, High level meetings etc.

TRAINING AND SYMPOSIA ORGANIZED

Member, National Organizing Committee, National Congress on Emerging Trends in Agricultural Research 11-12 September 2010, PDFSR, Meerut.

Co-convener, Technical session - Protection of Plant Varieties: Impact on Seed Industry, in National Conference on Seed: A Global Perspective. 26 March 2004, NASC, New Delhi.

Member, National steering committee, International Conference on Technological Interventions in Agricultural Sciences for enhanced productivity, Nutritional quality and value addition (TIAS-2014), February 17-19, 2015, at Central Institute of Horticulture, Dhimapur, Nagaland.

Convener (Invitation committee): National Symposium on Recent Global Developments in the Management of PGR, 17-18 December, 2009. NBPGR, New Delhi.

Convener: Winter School on Germplasm Exchange: Policies and Procedures in India, 17-26 November 2008, NBPGR, New Delhi.

Co-convener: 4th on job training on Safe Exchange of Germplasm, NBPGR, New Delhi. 2002.

TRAININGS PARTICIPATED

Workshop on Right to Information for PIOs, Institute of Secretariat Training and Management (ISTM), March 2019.

CAFT programme on Advances in omics data analysis: Learning by examples IASRI, New Delhi. 2014

Science and Technology for Rural Societies, Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi. 2013.

In country training on Documentation and Data Management of Plant Genetic Resources sponsored by International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Manila, Philippines.1998.

Short course on Orientation for Plant Genetic Resources (PGR), policy and emerging Intellectual properties Rights (IPR) issues. NBPGR, New Delhi.1999.

Winter school on Advances in seed quality evaluation, Division of Seed Science and Technology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. 2001.

Second Trainers Training programme on Sustainable management of Plant Biodiversity under National Agricultural Technology Project. NBPGR, New Delhi. 2002.

MISCELLANEOUS

Editor of Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources, Research journal, ISPGR, New Delhi (2007-2008) and Progressive Agriculture, Research journal, SRDA, Meerut (since 2011).

Executive Editor: Annals of Horticulture, Research journal, Hi-tech Horticultural Society, Meerut (since 2010).

Expert member, Selection committee, University of Delhi, Delhi and ICAR, New Delhi

PhD examiner, Thesis evaluator and Question paper setter, SVPUAT, Meerut, CCS University, Meerut, Dr RPCAU, Samastipur, MPUAT, Udaipur, Banasthali University, Banasthali .

Documentary Film: A Journey of PGR (27 minutes, in Hindi and English).

Inputs for decision support system to ICAR/DARE for development of Memorandum of understanding/ Workplans, PGR policy issues.

Developed models viz., Translite/ scroller/ Rotaglow etc. depicting the Indian Gene centre, Importance of PGR in Agriculture, Major introductions in India, National and International developments affecting PGR.

Processing of proposal under RKVY pertaining to all Agricultural Universities.  

Coordination and report compilation on several national programme including the Agricultural Education Day across the country.

Research Proposal Reviewer of Council of Science and Technology, Lucknow (UP).

Reviewer of scientific journals viz., Annals of Applied Biology, Blackwell Publishing (International); Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, ICAR, New Delhi; Legume Research, ARCC, Karnal.

MEMBERSHIPS OF SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES

Life member, Indian Society of Plant Genetic Resources (ISPGR), New Delhi.

Life member, Indian Society of Seed Technology (ISST), New Delhi.

Life member, Society for Recent development in Agriculture (SRDA), Meerut.

Life member, Society for Upliftment of Rural Economy (SURE), Varanasi.