MULLaRP and Wheat Breeding

Prof. Punia Sumer Singh is a distinguished agricultural scientist and plant breeder specializing in Genetics and Plant Breeding, currently serving as Professor (PBG) and Additional Director Research (Seeds) at Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University (SKNAU), Jobner, Rajasthan. With over two decades of experience in teaching, research, and crop improvement, he has made outstanding contributions to pulse, cereal, and spice crop breeding in India.

Born on 30 December 1973, Prof. Singh completed his B.Sc. (Ag.) Hons. in 1996 and M.Sc. (Ag.) in Plant Breeding & Genetics in 2000 from Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, securing University Gold Medal and Merit Scholarship. He earned his Ph.D. in Plant Breeding & Genetics from MPUAT, Udaipur in 2004 and qualified ASRB-NET in both Genetics and Plant Breeding. He was also awarded the ICAR Senior Research Fellowship for his doctoral research.

Prof. Singh began his professional career in 2005 at AICRP on MULLaRP, ARS Kota, where he initiated extensive crop improvement work in urdbean, lentil, chickpea, rajmash, field pea, mungbean, fennel, fenugreek, coriander, wheat, and barley. His research excellence has led to the development of 26 notified crop varieties, including several nationally released varieties such as Kota Masoor series, Kota Urd series, Kota Kabuli Chana series, and India’s first extra-early and spontaneous mutant lentil varieties. He also reported the world’s first open-flower mutant in lentil, opening new avenues for hybrid breeding.

He has successfully handled several externally funded projects as PI and Co-PI, supported by NFSM, BRNS-BARC, and PM-RKVY, with a total project outlay exceeding ₹800 lakh. His efforts significantly enhanced breeder seed production and quality seed availability, resulting in a remarkable increase in seed production at SKNAU.

An accomplished mentor, Prof. Singh has guided six postgraduate and doctoral students as Major Advisor. He has published numerous high-impact research papers in reputed NAAS-rated national and international journals, along with books, monographs, and technical bulletins.

In recognition of his contributions, he has received several honors including the Best Centre Award (AICRP on MULLaRP) and university appreciation awards. He is a Fellow and life member of leading professional societies and has actively contributed to national and international collaborations, including with ICARDA, Lebanon.

Prof. Punia Sumer Singh continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening Indian agriculture through innovative plant breeding, quality seed production, and capacity building, making him a respected name in the field of agricultural research and development.