Mudasir Hafiz Khan | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mudasir Hafiz Khan | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Scientist at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, India

Dr. Mudasir Hafiz Khan is a distinguished academic with a robust background in Genetics and Plant Breeding. He earned his MSc in Agriculture with a thesis on genetic variability, diversity, and traits association in eggplant in 2003, and completed his PhD focusing on induced mutagenesis and cytogenetic studies in soybean in 2008. He has also qualified for the National Eligibility Test (ASRB) in 2010 and holds a life fellowship at the Directorate of Genetics and Plant Breeding, IASR. Dr. Khan’s professional journey includes serving as an Assistant Professor-cum-Jr. Scientist at the Division of Genetics and Plant Breeding at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, and various other roles such as Agriculture Extension Assistant and Technical Associate. His research contributions have been recognized with multiple awards, including the Best Thesis of the Year, the Carl Linnaeus Research Award in Botany, the Young Scientist Award, and several appreciation awards for his innovative work in saffron production technologies.

Professional Profiles:

📚 Education:

Dr. Mudasir Hafiz Khan has an extensive background in agriculture, with a focus on genetics and plant breeding. He obtained his MSc in Agriculture, specializing in Genetics and Plant Breeding, in 2003. His master’s thesis was titled “Genetic variability, diversity, and traits association of yield and quality components in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.).” Dr. Khan furthered his education by earning a PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding in 2008, with his thesis focused on “Induced mutagenesis and cytogenetic studies in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill.].” In 2010, Dr. Khan qualified for the National Eligibility Test (ASRB), demonstrating his proficiency and expertise in the field. He is a Fellow and Life Member of the Directorate of Genetics and Plant Breeding at IASR. Notably, Dr. Khan has contributed to the development of DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability) testing guidelines for Saffron and Kalazeera, showcasing his commitment to advancing agricultural practices and standards.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Mudasir Hafiz Khan has amassed significant postdoctoral experience, marked by various academic and research positions. Since August 8, 2021, he has been serving as an Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist (Senior Scale) in the Division of Genetics and Plant Breeding at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar (J&K). Prior to this, from August 8, 2017, to August 8, 2021, he held the position of Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist at the same division and institution. Before his tenure as an assistant professor, Dr. Khan worked as an Agriculture Extension Assistant from December 25, 2013, to August 7, 2017, at the Department of Agriculture Kashmir, Lal Mandi, Srinagar (J&K). His early postdoctoral roles also include serving as a Technical Associate from May 24, 2012, to December 24, 2013, on the project “In-vitro development of micro corms and stigma-like structures in saffron” at the Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Srinagar. Additionally, he was a Research Associate from November 10, 2009, to May 23, 2012, working on the “Integrated farming system in Horticulture” at the Division of Agronomy, SKUAST-K, Shalimar.

Teaching Experience:

Dr. Mudasir Hafiz Khan has extensive experience in teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. At the undergraduate level, he has taught a variety of courses including Plant Tissue Culture and Genetic Transformation, Floral Biology, Seed Development and Maturation, Seed Legislation and Certification, In-situ and Ex-situ Conservation of Germplasm, Breeding for Field Crops-1, Principles of Plant Breeding, Seed Production in Field Crops, DUS Testing for Plant Variety Protection, Principles of Plant Breeding (Backlog Course), Principles of Cytogenetics, Advances in Seed Science Research, Hybrid Seed Production, Principles of Seed Technology, Breeding Designer Crops, Principles of Seed Production, and Seed Quality Testing. In addition to his teaching duties, Dr. Khan has also guided and advised several students in their research. He has served as the major advisor for two M.Sc. Agriculture (Genetics & Plant Breeding) students. Furthermore, he has been a member of the advisory committee for six M.Sc. Agriculture/Horticulture students and two Ph.D. students specializing in Genetics & Plant Breeding and Fruit Sciences. His mentorship has been instrumental in the academic and research development of his students.

Honors and Awards:

Dr. Mudasir Hafiz Khan has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to the field of genetics and plant breeding. He was awarded the Best Thesis of the Year by the Directorate of Genetics and Plant Breeding, International Agency for Standards and Ratings. In 2016, he received the prestigious ‘Carl Linnaeus Research Award in Botany’ through an international competition by Photon eBooks Publications. In 2017, he was honored with the ‘Young Scientist Award’ by LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, OMNIScriptum GmbH & Co. KG Bahnhofstr. 28/D-66111 Saarbrucken. Dr. Khan’s efforts have also led to the Geographical Indications Tag for Kashmiri Saffron. He was honored with an Appreciation Award by the Advisor to LG Jenab Bashir Ahmad Khan for his promotion of saffron production technologies. The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir awarded him an Appreciation Certificate for his development of technologies such as “Indoor Saffron Cultivation” and “Saffron Kalazeera Intercropping” during a Felicitation Ceremony organized by the Directorate of Research SKUAST-K on January 1, 2022. His research work has earned him several accolades, including the Best Poster Presentation (1st prize) for his work titled “Indoor Saffron Cultivation – A novel Technology for Vertical Expansion of Saffron” at the International Conference on Saffron and Seed Spices held on November 7-8, 2021, organized by ARSSSS, SKUAST-Kashmir. He also received the Best Oral Presentation (1st prize) at the IV International Symposium on “Saffron Biology and Technology” held on October 22-25, 2012, at SKUAST-Kashmir. Additionally, he was honored with an Appreciation Letter from the Project Coordinator AICRP Spices on December 15, 2021, for his outstanding research work in saffron and Kalazeera. From October 4, 2017, to October 3, 2021, Dr. Khan served as the Academic Editor of the Research Journal “International Journal of Biochemistry Research and Review.

📚Publications :

Correlation and path coefficient analysis of some quantitative traits in wheat
Authors: MH Khan, AN Dar
Citations: 150
Year: 2010

Effect of Sowing Methods and NPK Levels on Growth and Yield of Rainfed Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: S Gul, MH Khan, BA Khanday, S Nabi
Citations: 130
Year: 2015

Status and strategies in breeding for rust resistance in wheat
Authors: MH Khan, A Bukhari, ZA Dar, SM Rizvi
Citations: 106
Year: 2013

Yield stability of some soybean genotypes across diverse environments
Authors: SS Alghamdi
Citations: 91
Year: 2004

Breeding strategies for improving rice yield—a review
Authors: MH Khan, ZA Dar, SA Dar
Citations: 90
Year: 2015

Studies on genetic variability and interrelationship among the different traits in microsperma lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)
Authors: SD Tyagi, MH Khan
Citations: 83
Year: 2010

Production of nitrogen fixing Azotobacter (SR-4) and phosphorus solubilizing Aspergillus niger and their evaluation on Lagenaria siceraria and Abelmoschus esculentus
Authors: M Din, R Nelofer, M Salman, FH Khan, A Khan, M Ahmad, F Jalil, JU Din, …
Citations: 75
Year: 2019

Studies on effectiveness and efficiency of gamma rays, EMS and their combination in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)
Authors: MH Khan, SD Tyagi
Citations: 61
Year: 2010

Correlation, path-coefficient and genetic diversity in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) under rainfed conditions
Authors: SD Tyagi, MH Khan
Citations: 60
Year: 2011

New emerging trends on production technology of saffron
Authors: FA Nehvi, SA Wani, SA Dar, MI Makhdoomi, BA Allie, ZA Mir
Citations: 60
Year: 2006