Barley Breeding

Dr. Shyam Singh Rajput is a distinguished plant breeder and agricultural scientist with more than 28 years of experience in Genetics & Plant Breeding, specializing in seed spices and barley improvement. He obtained his M.Sc. (Ag.) and Ph.D. in Plant Breeding & Genetics from Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, securing OGPA 4.00/4.00 in both degrees and earning the Gold Medal as the university topper in M.Sc. (Ag.).

Dr. Rajput began his career in 1997 as Senior Technical Assistant (PBG) under ICAR projects and has served across major coordinated research programmes including AICRP on Spices, Pearl Millet, and Wheat & Barley. Since 2018, he has been working as Assistant Professor and Barley Breeder at RARI, Durgapura, contributing significantly to teaching, research, and seed production systems.

He has played a pivotal role in the development of 26 crop varieties across coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, and barley, including nationally released and notified varieties such as RCr-728 (coriander), RF-205, RF-289 & RF-290 (fennel), RMt-305 (world’s first determinate fenugreek), RD-2899 and RD-2907 (barley), and RD-3064 identified for national release. His contributions have strengthened spice and barley production in arid and semi-arid regions of India.

Dr. Rajput has also developed notable technologies, including the Twirl Method of crossing in fennel, and has contributed to plant genetic resource conservation by maintaining over 1,800 germplasm accessions of seed spices. He has successfully executed and coordinated several national and international research projects, including PM-RKVY, PPV&FRA (DUS project on barley), ICARDA, AB InBev, United Breweries, and malting industry collaborations.

An active academic mentor, Dr. Rajput has guided 8 Ph.D. and 5 M.Sc. (Ag.) students as Major Advisor, besides serving on advisory committees of more than 25 postgraduate and doctoral students. His scholarly output includes over 100 research papers, books, book chapters, manuals, bulletins, and technical reports.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dr. Rajput has received several awards and honors, including Certificates & Shields from ICAR, appreciation from the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, a Conference Gold Medal (2025), and honors for the development of nationally released barley varieties. He has actively participated in and organized numerous national and international conferences, workshops, trainings, and AGMs, contributing significantly to agricultural research, capacity building, and seed quality enhancement in India.