Debadatta Sethi | Soil-Plant Relations | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Debadatta Sethi | Soil-Plant Relations | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Biochemist at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, India

Dr. Debadatta Sethi is a dedicated agricultural scientist specializing in soil science, biofertilizers, and sustainable agriculture. With a robust background in microbiology and biochemical interactions in soil, he has established himself as a leading researcher in enhancing plant productivity through eco-friendly solutions. His research focuses on integrating beneficial microorganisms, such as Rhizobium and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, into sustainable farming practices. Dr. Sethi has published more than 40 research articles in reputed international journals, authored book chapters, and contributed to several scientific bulletins. In addition to his academic pursuits, he has participated in multiple government-sponsored projects, contributing to both scientific advancement and community-based solutions. Dr. Sethi is also an editorial board member and reviewer for globally recognized journals. He continues to push boundaries in the field of agricultural sustainability, earning national recognition for his scientific contributions and technical expertise in nutrient recycling and microbial soil enrichment.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Sethi’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in agricultural and soil sciences. He obtained his B.Sc. in Agriculture from Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), where he developed a deep interest in soil health and microbial interactions. Building on this, he completed his M.Sc. in Soil Science with a focus on biofertilizers and plant-microbe interactions. Dr. Sethi pursued his Ph.D. in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry from a reputed Indian university, where he investigated the effects of salt-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and nutrient management on pulse crops under saline conditions. His doctoral research laid the groundwork for his future contributions to integrated nutrient management and sustainable agriculture. His educational background is complemented by various certifications and training programs in biochemistry, microbial techniques, and environmental analysis, ensuring a multidisciplinary and application-oriented research approach.

Professional Experience

Dr. Debadatta Sethi has gained extensive professional experience in both academic and research settings. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor or Research Scientist in a recognized agricultural research institution or university, where he teaches and mentors postgraduate students. He has also been a project associate and co-investigator in several research projects funded by national agencies like the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). His responsibilities have included conducting field trials, managing microbial laboratories, coordinating interdisciplinary studies, and organizing training workshops. In addition, he has developed technical manuals, project reports, and extension bulletins aimed at knowledge transfer to farming communities. Dr. Sethi actively participates in research dissemination and academic collaboration, regularly presenting at national and international conferences. His professional contributions have had tangible impacts in terms of technology development and the practical application of research outcomes in the field of sustainable agriculture.

Research Interests

Dr. Sethi’s research interests lie at the convergence of soil microbiology, sustainable nutrient management, and agro-waste utilization. He is particularly focused on the role of biofertilizers and plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) such as Rhizobium, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), and potassium-mobilizing bacteria (KMB) in enhancing soil fertility and crop productivity. His work explores how microbial inoculants can replace or supplement chemical fertilizers, thereby promoting eco-friendly farming practices. Another key area of his interest is the management and transformation of agricultural waste into value-added products like biochar and compost using microbial processes. He is also keenly interested in the adaptation of microbial technologies to stress conditions such as salinity, drought, and poor soil structure. Dr. Sethi seeks to bridge the gap between lab-based microbial innovations and field-level applications, contributing to food security, climate resilience, and resource-efficient agriculture.

Research Skills

Dr. Debadatta Sethi possesses a wide range of advanced research skills essential for interdisciplinary agricultural and environmental studies. He is proficient in microbial isolation and characterization techniques, including serial dilution, streaking, biochemical assays, and molecular identification. His expertise includes quantifying soil nutrients, enzyme activities, and plant growth parameters under field and laboratory conditions. He is skilled in designing greenhouse and field experiments, analyzing soil health indicators, and using statistical tools like SPSS and R for data interpretation. Dr. Sethi is also trained in operating lab equipment such as spectrophotometers, gas chromatographs, and flame photometers. He has hands-on experience in composting, biochar production, and evaluating organic amendments’ impact on soil microbial dynamics. In addition, he has contributed to the development of bio-formulations and microbial consortia for various crop systems. His technical competencies enable him to translate research into actionable technologies for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Sethi’s scientific contributions have been widely recognized through several prestigious awards and honors. He received the Young Scientist Award and Dr. S.K. Sahu Gold Medal for his outstanding research in soil microbiology and sustainable nutrient management. He was also a recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship during his doctoral studies, highlighting his potential as an emerging scientist. Dr. Sethi has been honored by various academic and professional societies for his published work, poster presentations, and oral talks at conferences. His editorial contributions have earned him appointments as a Review Editor and Editorial Board Member for high-impact journals such as Frontiers in Microbiology, BMC Plant Biology, and PLOS One. These honors reflect his growing reputation within the national and international scientific community. His awards not only celebrate his past achievements but also reinforce his ongoing commitment to innovative, impactful, and sustainable research in agriculture.

Conclusion

Dr. Debadatta Sethi exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated, innovative, and impactful researcher in soil science and agricultural biochemistry. With an impressive blend of publication quality, research relevance, project leadership, and editorial involvement, he is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work addresses critical challenges in sustainable agriculture, such as soil fertility, waste recycling, and microbial biofertilization—issues central to food security and climate resilience. The award would be a timely recognition of his contributions and a catalyst for further achievements.

Publications Top Noted

  • Bioconversion of lignocellulosic organic wastes into nutrient rich vermicompost by Eudrilus eugeniae
    L. Pandit, D. Sethi, S.K. Pattanayak, Y. Nayak
    Year: 2020 Cited by: 46

  • Juxtaposing the quality of compost and vermicompost produced from organic waste amended with cow dung
    R.K. Patra, D. Behera, K.K. Mohapatra, D. Sethi, M. Mandal, A.K. Patra, …
    Year: 2022 Cited by: 38

  • Isolation, characterization and identification of cellulose-degrading bacteria for composting of agro-wastes
    K. Padhan, R.K. Patra, D. Sethi, N. Panda, S.K. Sahoo, S.K. Pattanayak, …
    Year: 2025 Cited by: 27

  • Untangling the effect of soil quality on rice productivity under a 16-years long-term fertilizer experiment using conditional random forest
    S. Garnaik, P.K. Samant, M. Mandal, T.R. Mohanty, S.K. Dwibedi, R.K. Patra, …
    Year: 2022 Cited by: 24

  • Effect of different carbon, nitrogen and vitamin sources on exopolysaccharide production of Rhizobium species isolated from root nodule of redgram
    D. Sethi, S. Mohanty, S.K. Pattanayak
    Year: 2019 Cited by: 22

  • Exploring the Role of Mycorrhizal and Rhizobium Inoculation with Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Nutrient Uptake and Growth of Acacia mangium Saplings
    D. Sethi, S. Subudhi, V.D. Rajput, K. Kusumavathi, T.R. Sahoo, S. Dash, …
    Year: 2021 Cited by: 21

  • Acid and salt tolerance behavior of Rhizobium isolates and their effect on microbial diversity in the rhizosphere of redgram (Cajanus cajan L.)
    D. Sethi, S. Mohanty, S.K. Pattanayak
    Year: 2019 Cited by: 20

  • Saflufenacil: A new group of chemical herbicide for effective weed management in maize
    T.R. Sahoo, U.K. Hulihalli, R.K. Paikaray, U. Mohapatra, D. Sethi
    Year: 2017 Cited by: 20

  • Effect of INM practices on yield, yield attributes and economics of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)
    P. Jhankar, C.M. Panda, D. Sethi
    Year: 2017 Cited by: 18

  • Advances in microbial exoenzymes bioengineering for improvement of bioplastics degradation
    F. Rahmati, D. Sethi, W. Shu, B.A. Lajayer, M. Mosaferi, A. Thomson, G. Price
    Year: 2024 Cited by: 16

  • Efficient native strains of rhizobia improved nodulation and productivity of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under rainfed condition
    P.P. Athul, R.K. Patra, D. Sethi, N. Panda, S.K. Mukhi, K. Padhan, S.K. Sahoo, …
    Year: 2022 Cited by: 16

  • Characterization of Rhizobium sp (SAR-5) isolated from root nodule of Acacia mangium L.
    S. Subudhi, D. Sethi, S. Kumar Pattanayak
    Year: 2020 Cited by: 14

  • Exploitation of cellulose degrading bacteria in bioconversion of agro-wastes
    K. Padhan, R.K. Patra, D. Sethi, S. Mohanty, S.K. Sahoo, N. Panda, …
    Year: 2024 Cited by: 11

  • Effects of sunflower residue management options on productivity and profitability of succeeding rice under different crop establishment methods
    T.R. Sahoo, B. Behera, R.K. Paikaray, L.M. Garnayak, D. Sethi, S. Jena, …
    Year: 2022 Cited by: 11

  • Isolation and characterization of native Rhizobium from root nodules of raikia french bean growing area of Odisha
    H. Verma, R.K. Patra, D. Sethi, S.K. Pattanayak
    Year: 2022 Cited by: 11

  • Efficacy of chemicals, bio-agents and their compatibility in management of stem rot disease of groundnut
    D.R.S. Vineela, S.K. Beura, A. Dhal, S.K. Swain, D. Sethi
    Year: 2017 Cited by: 11

  • Carbon and Nitrogen Mineralization Kinetics in Soil Under Differential Nutrient Management Regimes in Inceptisols of Coastal India
    S.K. Sahoo, K.N. Mishra, N. Panda, D. Sethi, P. Dey
    Year: 2023 Cited by: 10

  • Crop and soil productivity of a rice‐green gram system under integrative nutrient management
    S. Mangaraj, R.K. Paikaray, L.M. Garnayak, S.D. Behera, B. Patra, D. Sethi, …
    Year: 2023 Cited by: 10

  • Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield, Economics and Post-harvest Soil Properties of Sweet Corn Grown under Mid-Central Table Land Zone of Odisha
    M. Prusty, D. Swain, M.A. Alim, M. Ray, D. Sethi
    Year: 2022 Cited by: 9

  • Long-term assessment of diverse nutrient management strategies in a rice-rice cropping system: analyzing yield trends, resource use efficiency and economic viability over a period
    S. Garnaik, P.K. Samant, M. Mandal, D. Sethi, R.H. Wanjari, T.R. Mohanty, …
    Year: 2024 Cited by: 8

Debasis Mitra | Soil-Plant Relations | Excellence in Research Award

Published on by Botany Scientist

Dr. Debasis Mitra | Soil-Plant Relations | Excellence in Research Award

Assistant Professor at Graphic Era Deemed to be University, India

Dr. Debasis Mitra is an accomplished microbiologist and plant science researcher whose work spans cutting-edge areas such as plant-microbe interactions, soil microbiology, biocontrol, and nutrient cycling. With a Ph.D. awarded in 2024 from Raiganj University in collaboration with ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Dr. Mitra has shown strong commitment to advancing agricultural microbiology. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, where he mentors Ph.D. scholars and leads research in sustainable crop productivity. His prolific publication record—over 120 research articles, 6 books, and numerous chapters—highlights his thought leadership in microbiology. Beyond publishing, he actively contributes to scientific communities as an editor, reviewer, and special issue guest editor in over a dozen international journals. Dr. Mitra’s work reflects both academic excellence and practical relevance, particularly in areas like mycorrhizal fungi, phosphorus uptake, and strigolactone signaling in crops. His ongoing research and international exposure make him a vital contributor to global discussions on food security and soil health. 🌱🧫🌍

Professional Profile 

🎓 Education

Dr. Mitra’s academic foundation is deeply rooted in life sciences and biotechnology. He earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology (2019–2024) jointly from Raiganj University, West Bengal, and ICAR – National Rice Research Institute, Odisha, with research focused on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and their influence on phosphorus uptake in aerobic rice—a topic highly relevant to sustainable agriculture. His Ph.D. work was complemented by coursework (SGPA: 8.00) and awarded in January 2024. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed an M.Sc. in Biotechnology (2017) from Graphic Era University, Uttarakhand, with a CGPA of 8.28, undertaking his thesis at ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru. His undergraduate studies culminated with a B.Sc. in Biotechnology (2014) from Vidyasagar University, West Bengal. His academic journey is marked by early interest in microbial interactions and nutrient mobilization, demonstrated in his B.Sc. and M.Sc. theses. He has also enriched his knowledge through international online certifications in fields such as climate change, microbiology, and agriculture from institutions like Macquarie University (Australia), Massey University (New Zealand), and Jordan University of Science and Technology. 📘🧪🎓

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Mitra brings a solid blend of academic teaching and field-based research experience. He is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Graphic Era (Deemed to be University) since February 2024, where he supervises Ph.D. students and teaches microbiology-related subjects. Prior to this role, he worked at ICAR-National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), Odisha, in multiple capacities. From 2018 to early 2024, he served as a Researcher and later as a Project Assistant on high-impact government-funded projects focused on nanofiber biofertilizers and plant nutrition. His roles included experimental design, molecular analyses, microbial isolation, and application of biofertilizers in rice systems. He also completed valuable internships, including a virtual international internship at Universidad de Santander, Colombia, in 2021. Additionally, he gained early research exposure during his M.Sc. and B.Sc. studies, working in reputed labs like ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru and Oriental Institute of Science and Technology, West Bengal. His experience bridges academic rigor and real-world problem-solving in plant health and microbiome studies. 🧑‍🏫🧬🔬

🧠 Research Interests

Dr. Mitra’s research interests are centered on plant-microbe interactions, with a focus on enhancing crop productivity through ecological and molecular approaches. His Ph.D. explored the association of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) with rice plants and their role in strigolactone-mediated phosphorus uptake, a key factor for plant nutrition. He is deeply engaged in soil microbiology, biocontrol mechanisms, and molecular signaling between plants and microbes. Other focus areas include crop stress physiology, bioremediation, nanofertilizer technologies, and sustainable agricultural practices. His interest in strigolactones, a plant hormone involved in root symbiosis, positions him at the frontier of molecular plant-microbe signaling research. Furthermore, his inclination towards integrated soil fertility management, biofertilizer development, and microbial biostimulants aligns with global goals in climate-smart agriculture and organic farming. With a strong vision for eco-friendly crop solutions, Dr. Mitra’s research aims to reduce chemical input in farming systems while improving soil health and yield. 🌾🔬🌿

🛠️ Research Skills

Dr. Mitra possesses a comprehensive skill set in microbial techniques, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and field trial management. He is proficient in isolation and characterization of microbial strains, molecular identification (PCR, sequencing), and metagenomics. His lab expertise extends to mycorrhizal staining and quantification, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) screening, and soil enzymatic assays. He is well-versed in designing and conducting greenhouse and field experiments, particularly in rice and horticultural crops. His familiarity with bioreactor technologies, biopolymer encapsulation for biofertilizers, and data analysis tools (R, SPSS) showcases a multidisciplinary edge. Dr. Mitra is also experienced in research writing, peer review, and academic editing, as evidenced by his editorial roles and large number of reviewed manuscripts. Additionally, his international training exposure, including virtual internship experience in Colombia, has enriched his understanding of global standards in environmental and agricultural microbiology. 🔍🧪🧫

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Mitra has received numerous accolades for his scholarly contributions and professional service. Notably, he was awarded the Best Presentation Award at the International Conference on Microbes and Social Equity (2023) and honored as Best Reviewer (2022) by multiple journals including Current Agriculture Research Journal. He is a Fellow of the Scholars Academic and Scientific Society (FSASS) and holds the title of Dignitary Fellow from the International Organization for Academic and Scientific Development (FMIOASD). His name appears in the AD Scientific Index 2023 & 2022 with impressive institutional and national rankings. In addition, he received the Best Editor of the Year (2021) from the Indian Journal of Microbiology Research. Dr. Mitra is also an editorial board member for over a dozen reputed international journals, including BMC Plant Biology, Discover Sustainability, and Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. These recognitions reflect his leadership, peer recognition, and contribution to scientific excellence in microbiology and agriculture. 🏆📚🌍

🏁 Conclusion

This candidate is highly suitable for the Excellence in Research Award based on:

  • Exceptional scholarly output,

  • Substantial editorial and reviewer roles,

  • Recognized leadership in microbiology and plant sciences,

  • National and global contributions to research dissemination.

The candidate stands out as a research-centric academic with strong potential for further international recognition. Minor enhancements in grant visibility and global outreach could position them as a leader in their field globally.

Publications Top Noted

  • Microbial pollution of water with special reference to coliform bacteria and their nexus with environment
    Year: 2021 | Citations: 220

  • Actinobacteria-enhanced plant growth, nutrient acquisition, and crop protection: Advances in soil, plant, and microbial multifactorial interactions
    Year: 2022 | Citations: 185

  • Current scenario and future prospects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria: An economic valuable resource for the agriculture revival under stressful conditions
    Year: 2020 | Citations: 166

  • Role of mycorrhiza and its associated bacteria on plant growth promotion and nutrient management in sustainable agriculture
    Year: 2019 | Citations: 120

  • Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis: Plant growth improvement and induction of resistance under stressful conditions
    Year: 2021 | Citations: 109

  • Rhizobacteria mediated seed bio-priming triggers the resistance and plant growth for sustainable crop production
    Year: 2021 | Citations: 101

  • Phosphate-Solubilizing Microbes and Biocontrol Agent for Plant Nutrition and Protection: Current Perspective
    Year: 2020 | Citations: 85

  • Impacts of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on rice growth, development, and stress management with emphasis on strigolactone effects
    Year: 2021 | Citations: 72

  • Solid-State Fermentation: Applications and Future Perspectives for Biostimulant and Biopesticides Production
    Year: 2023 | Citations: 65

  • Involvement of strigolactone hormone in root development and interaction with mycorrhizal fungi: Mini-review
    Year: 2021 | Citations: 65

  • Potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 proteases PLpro and Mpro/3CLpro: Docking and simulation of medicinal plant components
    Year: 2021 | Citations: 60

  • Decrypting multifunctional biological activators and inducers of defense responses against biotic stresses in plants
    Year: 2023 | Citations: 58

  • Amelioration of thermal stress in crops by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria
    Year: 2021 | Citations: 54

  • Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal association boosted the arsenic resistance in crops with special responsiveness to rice
    Year: 2022 | Citations: 49

  • Molecular docking and simulation studies of Vitex negundo compounds against SARS-CoV-2 PLpro
    Year: 2022 | Citations: 46

  • Understanding interaction effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in rice under elevated carbon dioxide conditions
    Year: 2019 | Citations: 46

  • Rice straw recycling: A sustainable approach for ensuring environmental quality and economic security
    Year: 2023 | Citations: 45

  • Multifactorial role of nanoparticles in alleviating environmental stresses for sustainable crop production
    Year: 2023 | Citations: 43

  • Articulating beneficial rhizobacteria mediated plant defenses through induced systemic resistance
    Year: 2023 | Citations: 42

  • Advances in microbial based bio-inoculum for amelioration of soil health and sustainable crop production
    Year: 2024 | Citations: 41