Pradhan Parth Sarthi, Climate Science, Climate Action Award

Prof. Pradhan Parth Sarthi: Coordinator, Center for Climate Change and LiFE at Department of Environmental Science, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, India

Dr. Pradhan Parth Sarthi is a distinguished Professor and Coordinator at the Centre for Climate Change and LiFE, Central University of South Bihar (CUSB), Gaya. He has previously served as the Head of the Department of Environmental Science and as Dean of multiple schools at CUSB, showcasing leadership in academia. With over three decades of experience in atmospheric sciences, geophysics, and climate change research, he has contributed to policy advisory, curriculum development, and climate-related scientific studies both nationally and internationally. He has also been instrumental in mentoring young researchers and fostering collaborations between Indian and international research institutions.

Online Profiles

Google Scholar Profile

Dr. Pradhan Parth Sarthi’s research has received significant recognition in the scientific community. According to Google Scholar, he has a total of 809 citations, with 606 citations since 2020. His research impact is reflected in an h-index of 18 (with 15 since 2020) and an i10-index of 26 (with 21 since 2020), demonstrating both the productivity and influence of his publications in the fields of climate science, atmospheric modeling, and environmental studies.

Education

He completed his Bachelor in Mathematics (1990) from H. D. Jain College, Magadh University, Ara, Bihar, laying a strong quantitative foundation. He earned his M.Sc. (Tech) in Geophysics with specialization in Meteorology in 1993, followed by a Ph.D. in Geophysics (Meteorology) in 2000, both from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. His doctoral research focused on understanding the atmospheric surface layer along the monsoon trough, with emphasis on dry convective regions—a pioneering study in the field of monsoon dynamics and regional climate modeling.

Research Focus

Dr. Sarthi’s research primarily revolves around the Indian monsoon, climate variability, and extreme weather events. He investigates urban climate dynamics, hydrological modeling, climate data analysis, and the impacts of aerosols, cyclones, and snow cover on regional and global climate systems. His work often bridges theoretical climate modeling and practical applications for disaster management, sustainable development, and environmental policy. He is also engaged in interdisciplinary research linking atmospheric sciences, environmental science, and socio-economic aspects of climate change.

Experience

Dr. Sarthi has a rich academic and research career spanning premier institutions like IIT Delhi, TERI University, and CUSB. His positions have included Project Scientist, Associate Fellow, Professor, Department Head, and Dean. He has supervised nine Ph.D. students, numerous M.Phil and M.Tech theses, and guided postdoctoral fellows. He has developed academic curricula in climate modeling, environmental geosciences, and atmospheric sciences, and has been involved in organizing national and international conferences, workshops, and training programs.

Research Timeline & Activities

Dr. Sarthi’s research journey began with MONBLEX (1993-1998), studying the atmospheric surface layer in monsoon trough regions. Between 1998-2006, he conducted advanced spectral atmospheric general circulation modeling at IIT Delhi. During 2006-2010 at TERI University, he led projects on climate scenario generation and impact assessment. At CUSB since 2010, he has served as Principal Investigator for multiple DST, SERB, and MoES-funded projects focusing on monsoon, drought, flood modeling, urban climate studies, and environmental risk assessments. He actively collaborates with international researchers, contributing to climate prediction and adaptation strategies.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Sarthi was elected Fellow of the Indian Meteorological Society in 2024 and nominated by MoEFCC, Government of India, for IPCC AR7 WGI in November 2024. He has been recognized as a national expert for climate change programs and has served on advisory committees for governmental policy formulation. His contributions to atmospheric and climate sciences have earned him awards and recognition from multiple academic and scientific bodies, highlighting his leadership in both research and education.

Top Noted Publication

Among his notable publications is “A Study on the Effect of Eurasian Snow on the Summer Monsoon Circulation and Rainfall using a Spectral GCM,” published in the International Journal of Climatology (2006, Vol 26, Issue 8). This work investigates how snow cover in Eurasia influences Indian monsoon rainfall patterns using spectral general circulation models, providing key insights into monsoon prediction and regional climate variability. He has also authored numerous other peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals addressing urban climate, monsoon variability, and extreme weather events.

  • Trend analysis for rainfall in Delhi and Mumbai, India – A. Rana, C.B. Uvo, L. Bengtsson, P. Parth Sarthi, Climate Dynamics, 38(1), 45-56, 2012. Citations: 100

  • Possible future changes in cyclonic storms in the Bay of Bengal, India under warmer climate – P.P. Sarthi, A. Agrawal, A. Rana, International Journal of Climatology, 35(7), 1267-1277, 2015. Citations: 45

  • Possible future projection of Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) with the evaluation of model performance in Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) – P.P. Sarthi, S. Ghosh, P. Kumar, Global and Planetary Change, 129, 92-106, 2015. Citations: 45

  • Assessment of potential impact of climate change on streamflow: a case study of the Brahmani River basin, India – K. Vandana, A. Islam, P.P. Sarthi, A.K. Sikka, H. Kapil, Journal of Water and Climate Change, 10(3), 624-641, 2019. Citations: 42

  • Intraseasonal variability of Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall in CMIP6 models simulation – P. Kumar, P.P. Sarthi, Theoretical & Applied Climatology, 145, 2021. Citations: 39

Strengths for the Climate Action Award

  1. Expertise in Monsoon and Rainfall Analysis – Demonstrated deep understanding of Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall through trend analysis in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai, intraseasonal variability studies, and future projections using advanced climate models (CMIP5 and CMIP6). This expertise enables accurate forecasting and assessment of climate risks, crucial for planning and adaptation strategies.

  2. Cyclone and Extreme Weather Risk Assessment – Conducted comprehensive studies on the potential impact of climate change on cyclonic storms in the Bay of Bengal, providing essential insights for disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and climate-resilient infrastructure planning.

  3. Hydrological Impact Studies and Water Resource Management – Investigated the potential effects of climate change on river basins, including the Brahmani River, highlighting vulnerabilities in streamflow patterns and informing water management policies for sustainable development.

  4. Interdisciplinary and Policy-Relevant Research – Combines climatology, hydrology, and environmental sciences to deliver actionable solutions, bridging the gap between scientific research and policy implementation. Work demonstrates a strong focus on regional climate adaptation and resilience planning.

  5. Significant Scientific Recognition and Impact – A consistent record of high-impact publications, with studies cited widely (over 800 citations) across leading journals in climate science. This reflects credibility, influence, and the ability to contribute knowledge that supports climate action initiatives.

  6. Capacity for Future Climate Projections and Adaptation Planning – Proven ability to evaluate and validate climate models to predict future scenarios, assisting governments, planners, and communities in preparing for climate variability and extreme weather events.

  7. Commitment to Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience – Research outcomes provide practical guidance for mitigating climate risks, enhancing urban resilience, and promoting sustainable water and disaster management practices, directly aligning with the goals of climate action awards.

Akshay Kumar Yogi, Agriculture, Climate Action Award

Doctorate Akshay Kumar Yogi: Associate Scientist at International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics – India

Dr. Akshay Kumar Yogi is an Associate Scientist in Agronomy at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), India, where he leads pioneering work in sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient millet-based systems. With a deep-rooted commitment to addressing challenges in dryland agriculture, Dr. Yogi integrates advanced agronomic practices with grassroots innovations to empower smallholder farmers. His expertise spans conservation agriculture, nutrient-use efficiency, water-smart techniques, and cropping system intensification. Through large-scale field research and farmer-participatory trials, he is developing scalable models for climate adaptation and food security, especially in ecologically fragile and resource-poor regions.

Online Profiles

Google Scholar Profile

As of 2025, Dr. Akshay Kumar Yogi has accumulated 54 citations, with an h-index of 3 and an i10-index of 2, reflecting the growing recognition and impact of his research in sustainable agriculture, conservation agronomy, and climate-resilient cropping systems since 2020. His work continues to gain traction within the academic and applied agronomy communities.

Education

Dr. Yogi holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy from ICAR-IARI, New Delhi (2019–2023), where he focused on developing sustainable intensification options for conservation agriculture-based pearl millet–mustard systems. His M.Sc. in Agronomy, also from ICAR-IARI (2017–2019), involved work on zinc biofortification in upland rice in North-East India. He completed his B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture from SKNAU, Jobner, Rajasthan (2013–2017). His academic background laid a strong foundation in field experimentation, nutrient management, and agro-ecological adaptation strategies for resilient food systems.

Research Focus

Dr. Yogi’s research is centered around the integration of conservation agriculture principles with climate-smart practices to improve the sustainability and resilience of dryland cropping systems. His work emphasizes millet-based innovations, regenerative farming, site-specific nutrient management, and resource-use efficiency. He also works on biofortification and soil health improvement through residue management, precision inputs, and crop diversification strategies. His goal is to develop scalable, context-specific farming models that not only enhance productivity but also address long-term ecological and socio-economic sustainability.

Experience

Currently serving as an Associate Scientist at ICRISAT since 2024, Dr. Yogi leads multidisciplinary programs across Eastern India with a focus on millet-centered agro-innovation platforms. Previously, from 2019 to 2023, he worked as a Senior Research Fellow at ICAR-IARI on national and international collaborative projects in conservation agriculture and sustainable intensification. He has hands-on experience in designing and managing long-term field trials, farmer participatory research (OFTs), data analytics (R Studio), scientific communication, and capacity-building programs. His work connects scientific innovation with extension outreach, making real impact at the grassroots.

Research Timeline

From 2017 to 2019, Dr. Yogi worked on zinc biofortification in upland rice during his master’s research, addressing hidden hunger through agronomic interventions. His Ph.D. (2019–2023) focused on system-level intensification strategies under conservation agriculture for pearl millet–mustard systems. During this period, he led field trials exploring tillage, residue retention, and crop productivity. From 2023 onward, at ICRISAT, he has been actively implementing millet-based interventions in Bihar, integrating water-smart and regenerative practices to combat climate variability and soil degradation, with a vision to create scalable impact across rainfed regions.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Yogi has been the recipient of several prestigious fellowships and recognitions for his academic and research excellence. These include the ICAR National Talent Scholarship (PG) in 2017, IARI Junior Fellowship (2017), and IARI Senior Fellowship (2019). He qualified the ASRB-NET in Agronomy in 2022 and secured the UGC-JRF in Environmental Science the same year. He also represented IARI in multiple National Agri Sports Meets and cultural fests, and delivered national-level radio talks on millets, further highlighting his contributions to both science and outreach.

Top-Noted Publication

One of Dr. Yogi’s most cited and impactful publications is: Yogi A.K. et al. (2023), “Elucidating the interactive impact of tillage, residue retention, and system intensification on pearl millet yield stability and biofortification under rainfed agro-ecosystems,” published in Frontiers in Nutrition. This study provides critical insights into how conservation agriculture-based practices can simultaneously improve yield stability, micronutrient content, and sustainability in dryland farming systems. DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1205926

  • Dawar R., Nirmal R.C., Yogi A.K., Kakraliya M., Vishwakarma H., Bana R.S. (2025). Agro-Techniques for the Cultivation of Sesame. In: Sesame: Sustainable Production and Applications, pp. 57–80.
    A comprehensive chapter outlining improved agro-techniques for sesame cultivation, including water, nutrient, and pest management practices for climate-resilient production.

  • Yogi A.K. (2023). Developing intensification options to enhance productivity and resource use efficiency of conservation agriculture-based pearl millet–mustard cropping system. Ph.D. Thesis, Division of Agronomy, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi.
    This doctoral research explored integrated tillage, residue, and nutrient strategies to sustainably intensify dryland cereal-legume systems under conservation agriculture.

  • Meena D.K., Kumar A., Bhatnagar A., Yogi A.K., Dawar R., Singh T. (2023). Development, productivity and profitability of two cultivars of soybean (Glycine max L.) under the effect of foliar spray of thiourea. Annals of Agricultural Research, 44(2): 204–209.
    Evaluated the role of thiourea foliar spray in enhancing productivity and economic returns in soybean under rainfed conditions.

  • Yogi A.K., Bana R.S., Bamboriya S.D. (2023). Effect of zinc management practices on growth, yield and biofortification of upland rice genotypes under Eastern Himalayas ecologies. Annals of Agricultural Research, 43(4): 391–395.
    Studied the interactive effects of zinc fertilization strategies on rice performance and nutritional quality in fragile hill ecosystems.

Strength for the Climate Action Award

1. Innovation in Climate-Smart Agriculture

Dr. Yogi has pioneered a millet-centered innovation model that integrates conservation agriculture, regenerative farming, precision nutrient application, and water-smart practices. His scientifically grounded approach directly addresses the climate crisis by promoting low-carbon, high-efficiency farming tailored to semi-arid and rainfed ecosystems.

2. Scalable Impact on Smallholder Farmers

Through large-scale field trials and on-farm demonstrations in Bihar and Eastern India, Dr. Yogi’s interventions have reached over 500,000 smallholder farmers. His models are context-specific yet replicable, enabling widespread adoption of climate-resilient practices in ecologically vulnerable regions.

3. Strengthening Soil Health and Resource Efficiency

His research emphasizes residue recycling, zinc biofortification, and reduced tillage—strategies that enhance soil organic carbon, improve nutrient use efficiency, and reduce emissions from farming activities. These practices contribute to long-term ecological sustainability and climate mitigation.

4. Science-Policy-Farmer Integration

Dr. Yogi bridges the gap between research and field application by collaborating with institutions, policymakers, and local farming communities. His communication skills and scientific outreach—through publications, workshops, and national radio programs—foster greater awareness and faster dissemination of climate-smart practices.

5. Alignment with Global and National Climate Goals

His work directly contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and India’s National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). By promoting millet adoption and climate-resilient cropping systems, Dr. Yogi supports both nutritional security and ecological restoration.

Eligibility for the Climate Action Award

Dr. Akshay Kumar Yogi is highly eligible for the Climate Action Award due to his leadership in designing and implementing scalable, science-backed solutions for climate adaptation in agriculture. His integrated models address soil degradation, climate vulnerability, and food insecurity in some of India’s most stressed regions. With a strong research foundation (Ph.D. in Agronomy), international institutional backing (ICRISAT), field-level success, and policy-aligned impact, Dr. Yogi exemplifies the criteria required for recognition in climate innovation, community transformation, and sustainable agricultural development.