UHF alumnus shares experiences in cotton research
2 min read
Solan Nov 27
A special lecture cum interactive session for MSc and PhD students of the Department of Entomology with Dr. Megha Parajulee, an alumnus of Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni presently serving as Professor at the University of Texas. The session was organized by IDP-NAHEP in collaboration with the Entomology Club of the University.
Dr. Parajulee, who is a native of Nepal graduated from the UHF in 1987 and is currently serving as Professor and Faculty Fellow in the Department of Entomology located in Texas, United States of America. His expertise includes the application of integrated ecological approaches for sustainable production and is the founding editor-in-chief of the prestigious Global Journal of Agriculture and Allied Sciences.
Dr. Parajulee delivered his expert lecture on ‘A Cotton Entomologist’s 40-year Academic Journey: A Comprehensive Foundational Education at YS Parmar University’. During his interaction, he recollected his fond memories of his graduation years in the newly established campus with limited connectivity and scarce resources. He recalled the academics and rigorous learning which he refers to as a turning point to strengthen his future scientific endeavors in the USA, where he pursued his MSc and PhD.
During the talk, he discussed his ongoing research programmes, especially focusing on the Interactive-Functioning of Insect-Plant-Environment as a System Ecologically Intensive IPM programme. He also enlightened the present scenario and future researchable issues on insect-pest management in the cotton ecosystem of America. He encouraged the students and research associates/fellows to pursue scientific knowledge and direct the efforts for its effective implementation at the farm level for the betterment of the farming community. Students and faculty also interacted with the alumni regarding their queries on pest management scenarios in the USA and their relevance in India, GMO crops, molecular insect science and future prospectus of insect pest management in academia, research and industry.
Dr. Manish Sharma, Dean, College of Horticulture, Dr. KK Raina, Librarian cum PI-IDP, Dr. Subhash C Verma, Professor and Head Department of Entomology along with Dr. Anil Sood, Joint Director Communication, staff and students were also present during the interactive session. Dr. Parajulee also visited various laboratories of the Department of Entomology and interacted with faculty, project staff, research scholars and students about their work and techniques. He also visited the natural farm of the university and interacted with the scientists.
