Prof. (Dr.) Pushpendra Singh Chauhan

Vice Chancellor, Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner (Rajasthan)

Prof. (Dr.) Pushpendra Singh Chauhan is a distinguished academic leader, researcher, and innovator with more than three and a half decades of exemplary service in agricultural education, research, and university administration. A graduate of CTAE, MPUAT, Udaipur, and an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur and IIT Delhi, he earned his Ph.D. in Renewable Energy with distinction. Throughout his illustrious career, he has been dedicated to advancing sustainable agricultural technologies and fostering institutional excellence.

Dr. Chauhan’s professional journey spans over 35 years, including more than 18 years in senior academic and administrative roles. Before joining SKNAU, he served as Professor and Head, Department of Renewable Energy; Principal and Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology; Registrar; and Director of Research & Dean, Postgraduate Studies at Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh (Gujarat). His administrative acumen is reflected in his leadership of major academic bodies, policy formulation, and successful execution of institutional reforms in governance, academics, and infrastructure development.

A prolific researcher and innovator, Prof. Chauhan has spearheaded 17 sponsored research projects worth over ₹37 crores, including the prestigious World Bank–funded NAHEP-IDP project (ICAR), which consistently secured top national rankings under his guidance. His pioneering work has led to the development of multiple technologies and patents in renewable energy, greenhouse environment control, and AI applications in agriculture. His contributions have been recognized through 11 national awards, including the NRDC Innovation Award (DST, GoI) and the ISAE Fellow Award for outstanding contributions to Agricultural Engineering.

Internationally, Dr. Chauhan has served as a Visiting Scientist at the University of California, Davis, USA, and has represented India at global forums, including the Agrivoltaics Conference in Italy and visits to the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy, Germany. His scholarly output includes over 70 research papers, 5 books, 18 book chapters, and more than 30 popular articles disseminating science to farmers and students alike.

A firm believer in innovation-driven education, Prof. Chauhan has established state-of-the-art laboratories on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Drone and Automation Technologies, and renewable energy infrastructure in universities. His leadership has contributed significantly to digital transformation, solar energy adoption, and the creation of experiential learning platforms for students.

Guided by the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Atmanirbhar Bharat, Prof. Chauhan envisions transforming SKNAU into a leading center of excellence in agricultural innovation, sustainability, and digital learning. His mission is to empower rural youth through cutting-edge research, skill development, and global collaborations for a resilient and sustainable agricultural future.

(Prof. Pushpendra Singh Chauhan)