Dr. Brajesh Singh, the esteemed Director of the ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) in Shimla, is a pivotal figure in advancing potato research and development across India. As a highly regarded Plant Physiologist, Dr. Singh has dedicated over two decades to enhancing the potato sector through innovative technologies and strategic initiatives.
Born on 16 November 1970, Dr. Singh’s academic journey includes a B.Sc. from Lucknow Christian College (1987-90), an M.Sc. in Botany from Lucknow University (1990-1992), and a Ph.D. from Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University in 1997. His impactful career at CPRI, Shimla, began in 1995 as a Scientist, progressing through Senior Scientist (2004-2010) and Principal Scientist (2010-2014) roles. Since 2014, he has also held the significant position of Principal Scientist and Head of the Division of Crop Physiology, Biochemistry, and Post-Harvest Technology.
Dr. Singh’s profound expertise is particularly evident in potato physiology and post-harvest technology. He and his team have been instrumental in developing and refining crucial technologies, including:
- Elevated temperature storage technology for both table and processing potatoes.
- Storage technologies for seed and ware potatoes specifically for North-Eastern India.
- A modified heap storage technology.
- Technologies for processing potatoes into chips, French fries, and other products.
- Standardised protocols for the estimation of compounds like chlorpropham (CIPC), glycoalkaloids, and acrylamide using HPLC.
Under his leadership, CPRI, continues to drive innovation to enhance potato productivity, profitability, food security, and rural poverty alleviation. The institute conducts basic, strategic, and applied research across various fields, including biotechnology, genomics, and post-harvest technology. CPRI also coordinates the All India Coordinated Research Project on Potato (AICRP-Potato), which has 25 regional centres nationwide.
Dr. Singh advocates for and promotes advanced solutions in potato cultivation, innovative, research-driven solutions in potato farming. Dr. Singh also provides advisories to farmers, stressing the importance of timely disease management. He believes in the crucial role of high-tech seed potatoes in revolutionizing the agricultural industry and has highlighted associated business opportunities.
Dr. Brajesh Singh’s extensive contributions have earned him significant recognition within the agricultural scientific community. He was elected as an Associate of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences in 2021. His fellowships include those from the Indian Society for Plant Physiology (2010), Indian Potato Association (2011), Indian Academy of Horticultural Science (2019), and Confederation of Horticulture Associations of India (2021). He has received numerous awards, such as the ISPP JJ Chinoy Gold Medal Award (2020), HSI Dr. JC Anand Memorial Gold Medal in PHT (2018), IPA Kaushalya Sikka Memorial Team Award (2009), ICAR-CPRI Best Worker Award (2014), and a Certificate of Appreciation from ICAR-CPRI (2004). Dr. Singh served as the Business Editor of Potato Journal for nine years (2002-2010) and Editor-in-Chief for the Indian Potato Association (2017-2021). His scientific output is substantial, comprising over 70 research papers and approximately 160 other publications. He is a co-author on various publications detailing CPRI’s work, including “Nutritional profiling of Indian Potato cultivars”, “Processing of potato for domestic and commercial use”, “Export Opportunities of Indian Potatoes”, and “Seventy five years of potato in India”. He has also authored “Role of Potato in Entrepreneurship Development”.
Dr. Brajesh Singh’s multifaceted work continues to drive innovation and sustainability in India’s potato industry, benefiting farmers and contributing significantly to the nation’s food and nutritional security.
