Dr. Mukesh Sehgal | Pest Management – Principal Scientist at ICAR-NRIIPM, India
Dr. Mukesh Sehgal is a distinguished Principal Scientist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), with over three decades of impactful service in the field of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Currently based at the ICAR-National Centre for Integrated Pest Management (NCIPM) in New Delhi, he has emerged as a national leader in nematology and pest control strategies for staple crops, especially rice. Dr. Sehgal’s scientific vision and administrative leadership have helped strengthen India’s sustainable agriculture ecosystem through innovative and ecologically sound pest management practices.
Academic Profile
SCOPUS
Education
Dr. Sehgal’s academic foundation is rooted in India’s premier agricultural institutions. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Delhi University, followed by a Master’s and Ph.D. in Nematology from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi. This specialized education equipped him with advanced expertise in plant-parasitic nematodes, which became the central focus of his research career. His academic journey has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for his pioneering work in applied agricultural research.
Experience
Dr. Sehgal’s professional tenure began in 1991 and has since evolved through various key roles, culminating in his position as Principal Scientist. He has served as Team Leader of the IPM in Rice program and led several national projects under the ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Nematodes. His administrative excellence is reflected in multiple appointments including Vigilance Officer, HRD In-Charge, and Nodal Officer for the Tribal Sub Plan and North Eastern Hilly (NEH) Region. Additionally, he has chaired numerous national committees related to research, recruitment, procurement, and academic reviews, making him a pillar of ICAR’s institutional strength.
Research Interest
Dr. Sehgal’s core research revolves around nematode management, climate-resilient pest control strategies, and the development of IPM modules tailored to India’s diverse agro-climatic zones. He has particularly focused on identifying nematode hot spots, conducting risk analyses, and examining the effects of climate change on nematode populations. Beyond nematology, his interests span the development of biological control strategies and the use of information and communication technology (ICT) tools for pest monitoring and forecasting. His work has consistently aligned with national priorities, including food security, environmental sustainability, and tribal development.
Awards
In recognition of his scientific excellence, Dr. Sehgal has been conferred with several prestigious honors, including fellowships from the National Society of India (FNSI), Society for Plant Protection Sciences (FSPPS), and the Biotech Research & Career Council (FBRCC). He has also been a recipient of multiple institutional accolades within ICAR for his outstanding research contributions, mentoring roles, and leadership in policy and program development. His commitment to national and regional agricultural progress makes him a standout candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
Publications
💻”Impact of Climate Change on Nematode Populations in Agro-Ecological Zones of India” (2016, Journal of Nematology, cited by 72 articles)
🌾 “Integrated Pest Management for Rice: Strategies and Outcomes” (2018, Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, cited by 65 articles)
📊 “Risk Mapping of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Using GIS Technology” (2015, Environmental Monitoring & Assessment, cited by 54 articles)
🌿 “Biological Control of Root-Knot Nematode in Vegetable Crops” (2014, Crop Protection, cited by 60 articles)
💻 “ICT-Based Pest Forecasting Model for Paddy Fields in India” (2020, Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, cited by 45 articles)
🧪 “Screening Bioagents for IPM in Rice Ecosystems” (2013, Applied Biological Research, cited by 40 articles)
📈 “Synthesis and Validation of IPM Modules for NEH Region” (2017, Journal of Pest Science, cited by 58 articles)
Conclusion
Dr. Mukesh Sehgal exemplifies scientific leadership, technical excellence, and service-driven commitment to Indian agriculture. His comprehensive contributions to Integrated Pest Management, nematode control, and capacity building have had far-reaching impacts on agricultural productivity and sustainability. As a scientist, mentor, and policy influencer, he has not only generated high-value research but also translated it into actionable solutions for farmers and institutions alike. His nomination for the Best Researcher Award is a testament to his lifelong dedication to agricultural innovation and national service.