Tag: Nemappa G Hanamaratti

Nemappa G Hanamaratti, Agriculture, Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Nemappa G Hanamaratti: Principal Scientist at University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, India

Dr. Nemappa G. Hanamaratti is a Principal Scientist specializing in Plant Breeding at the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Sorghum, University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad, India. With over three decades of experience in crop genetics, plant breeding, and agricultural research, Dr. Hanamaratti has contributed extensively to the development of drought-resistant, high-yielding varieties of sorghum, rice, and other staple crops. His expertise lies in enhancing crop resilience to abiotic stresses, especially drought, through genetic improvement and advanced breeding methodologies. Throughout his career, he has been a driving force behind several national projects, and his work has had a direct impact on food security in water-scarce regions. Dr. Hanamaratti’s leadership in both research and outreach programs has earned him recognition in the agricultural community, and he remains committed to advancing sustainable farming practices through crop improvement.

Online Profiles

Google Scholar Profile

  • Citations: Total number of times your work has been cited.

    • 700 total is quite solid, and 276 since 2020 shows recent relevance.

  • h-index: You have 14 papers that have at least 14 citations (and 10 papers with at least 10 citations since 2020).

    • Indicates consistent impact across multiple publications.

  • i10-index: You have 18 papers with at least 10 citations (10 of those published or cited since 2020).

    • Shows a good number of papers are gaining traction.

Education

Dr. Hanamaratti’s educational journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture (B.Sc.) from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, in 1989. He went on to pursue a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Genetics and Plant Breeding at the same institution, where he honed his skills in crop breeding and genetic analysis. After completing his M.Sc., he advanced his research expertise through a Ph.D. in the same field, awarded in 2007. His doctoral work focused on understanding and improving drought resistance in upland rice, an area critical for ensuring food security in drought-prone regions of India. His academic training laid the foundation for his career as a leading scientist in the field of plant breeding, enabling him to combine traditional breeding methods with modern genetic techniques for crop improvement.

Research Focus

Dr. Hanamaratti’s research primarily revolves around the genetic improvement of crops, particularly sorghum and rice, to enhance their resilience to environmental stressors such as drought, salinity, and heat. His work incorporates advanced breeding techniques, molecular markers, and genomic tools to identify traits that contribute to stress tolerance. In particular, Dr. Hanamaratti’s research on drought tolerance in sorghum and rice has led to the identification of specific QTLs (Quantitative Trait Loci) responsible for improved water-use efficiency and stress resistance. His projects also explore hybrid breeding, the development of biofortified crops, and strategies for improving the nutritional content of staple crops. Through his work, he aims to develop varieties that not only yield higher under adverse conditions but also contribute to the overall health and nutrition of populations in developing countries.

Experience

Dr. Hanamaratti’s professional experience spans over 30 years, during which he has held several key roles within India’s agricultural research system. He began his career as a Research Assistant and later as a Junior Rice Breeder, where he contributed to early-stage breeding programs for rice varieties adapted to water-limited environments. Over time, Dr. Hanamaratti advanced to Senior Scientist positions, taking on greater leadership responsibilities and overseeing multi-institutional projects aimed at developing drought-resistant rice and sorghum varieties. As Principal Scientist, he currently heads the AICRP Sorghum program at UAS Dharwad, where he has led numerous successful breeding initiatives. These efforts have resulted in the release of several new sorghum and rice varieties, such as CSV-42 and CSH-42, which are now widely cultivated across India. His work on hybrid varieties has significantly contributed to the sustainability of rain-fed agriculture in India.

Research Timeline

  • 1993-2007: Early career focused on genetic analysis and drought resistance in rice, culminating in his Ph.D. research on upland rice. He developed key breeding lines and identified morphological traits linked to drought resistance.

  • 2007-2014: As Senior Scientist, he focused on enhancing stress tolerance in sorghum, particularly in terms of heat and water-use efficiency. His research led to the development of drought-tolerant hybrids and new lines suitable for rain-fed environments.

  • 2014-Present: Serving as Principal Scientist, Dr. Hanamaratti has expanded his work to include biofortification of sorghum and the development of hybrid varieties that offer both drought resilience and enhanced nutritional profiles. His current research includes the integration of molecular breeding techniques to accelerate the development of climate-resilient crops.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Hanamaratti has received numerous accolades for his contributions to agricultural research and breeding. Among his most notable honors is the Jawaharlal Nehru ICAR Award (2009), which recognized his outstanding Ph.D. research on rice breeding. In 2023, he was awarded the Best Research Scientist award by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, for his leadership and research excellence. Additionally, he has been the recipient of several team awards for his contributions to the AICRP Sorghum, including recognition for his role in developing high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties. Dr. Hanamaratti is also a fellow of several national societies, including the Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding (ISGPB), and continues to be a sought-after speaker at international agricultural conferences.

Recent Top Noted Publications – 2025

  • Rajashekhara, K., Hanamaratti, N.G., Madhusudhana, R., et al. (2025). Deciphering morpho-physiological traits for identifying drought resilient varieties of post-rainy sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). Plant Physiology Reports, pp. 1–16.

  • Gopalgowda, H.J., Ashoka, P., Yenagi, B.S., Rajakumar, G.R., et al. (2025). Optimizing sowing windows and nutrient levels for higher productivity of browntop millet (Brachiaria ramosa L.). Journal of Farm Sciences, 38(01), pp. 33–36.

  • Chavadappanavar, P.R., Shaila, H.M., Mallapur, C.P., et al. (2025). Influence of intercrops and border crops on the incidence of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) on rabi sorghum. Journal of Farm Sciences, 38(01), pp. 56–60.

  • Pattanashetti, B.M., Sajjanar, G.M., Madhusudana, R., Hanamaratti, N.G. (2025). Novel restorers identified for maldandi cytoplasm for enhancing the hybrid breeding in rabi sorghum. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, pp. 1–8.

  • Nayak, P., Shaila, H.M., Hanamaratti, N.G., Bandiwaddar, T.T., Anjum, S.S., et al. (2025). Management of shoot fly, stem borer and fall armyworm on rabi sorghum in North Transitional Zone of Karnataka, India. Journal of Experimental Zoology India, 28(1).

  • Nayak, P., Shaila, H.M., Hanamaratti, N.G., Bandiwaddar, T.T., Anjum, S.S. (2025). Population dynamics of insect pests of rabi sorghum in Karnataka, India. Journal of Experimental Zoology India, 28(1).