Nauni horticulture varsity VC becomes Life Fellow of Entomological Society
Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, Vice Chancellor Rajeshwar Singh Chandel has been named a Honorary Life Fellow of the Entomological Society of India (ESI) for his contribution to the field of entomology. He received this recognition during the national symposium “Frontiers in Entomology-2025” and ESI Foundation Day, organised by the ESI and the Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Delhi, recently.
Chandel is widely recognised for his work in insect-pest management, honey bee ecology, tri-trophic interactions, pesticide toxicology and natural farming practices aimed at sustainable crop production and increasing farmers’ income. He played a pivotal role in implementing the state government’s flagship scheme Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana (PK3Y).
As the first Executive Director of the scheme, he helped bring over 1.70 lakh farmers, particularly from mountainous regions, into the fold of natural farming.
Since May 2022, he has been serving as the Vice Chancellor of Nauni varsity.
Chandel has been involved in more than 20 national and state-funded research projects and has published over 200 research papers in renowned national and international journals. He is also at the forefront of generating scientific data on natural farming practices through collaborations with national and international institutions. He has made significant strides in empowering farmers, especially women, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
A prominent member of several national professional and government bodies, Chandel has served on the National Advisory Committee for promoting natural farming, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Society’s General Body and Governing Body, and the ICAR Committee on Natural Farming.
He has also chaired and been a member of various committees, such as the Quinquennial Review Teams and the Search-cum-Selection Committee for the appointment of vice-chancellors in various universities.
Upon receiving the honour, Chandel expressed his gratitude to the ESI and said it strengthened his resolve to continue working for the welfare of farmers in the state and across the country.
