Dr. Rajinder Singh assumes charge as Additional Director of Extension Education at PAU
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana (Punjab), November 14, 2026: Dr Rajinder Singh assumed charge as Additional Director of Extension Education (ADEE) at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, on November 13, 2026. An alumnus of PAU, Dr Singh obtained his M.Sc. (1998) and Ph.D. (2001) degrees in Vegetable Science from the university.
A merit scholarship holder during his B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. studies, he brings with him over 23 years of experience in vegetable research, teaching, extension and seed production.
He began his professional career at PAU on December 24, 2002, as District Extension Specialist (Vegetables) at the Farm Advisory Service Scheme, Gurdaspur. He subsequently served as Scientist (Vegetable Seeds), Principal Scientist (Vegetable Seeds), Director (Seeds) and Coordinator (Seeds and Planting Material), contributing significantly to the university's seed production and distribution programmes.
His major contributions include the development of four vegetable varieties in fenugreek, radish, watermelon and broccoli, along with 17 production technology recommendations related to seed germination, dormancy, physiological maturity and seed production.
During his tenure in seed management, he played an instrumental role in strengthening vegetable seed production, initiating large-scale production and distribution of seasonal vegetable kits, and expanding the production of virus-free potato and turmeric planting material.
He also contributed to the introduction of a single-window system for the convenient supply of seeds of different crops.
As Director (Seeds), Dr Singh facilitated the widespread adoption of PAU wheat varieties PBW 826 and PBW 872, and paddy variety PR 131, through strategic collaborations with seed producers across North India, ensuring their timely multiplication and availability to farmers. His efforts also contributed to generating royalty income for the university through licensed seed production.
He successfully secured a project worth Rs. 357.60 lakh under the Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material for strengthening infrastructure at university seed farms.
He also handled two research projects funded by UGC and NABARD, besides seven sponsored projects supported by the National Horticulture Mission (NHM). He organised four international training programmes for Afghan delegates on seed production and quality testing.
In recognition of his contributions, he received an Appreciation Certificate from PAU during the March Kisan Mela in 2024 for his outstanding work in seed production.
Dr Singh has guided 12 M.Sc. and two Ph.D. students and has an extensive teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His academic contributions include 45 research publications, 20 extension articles, 28 bulletins and three booklets.
With his rich experience in research, seed production and farmer-oriented initiatives, Dr Singh is expected to further strengthen PAU's extension education programmes and enhance the outreach of agricultural technologies to the farming community.