Hyderabad:
In a significant recognition of Telangana’s growing academic strength in agricultural sciences, Dr D R K Saikanth, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Extension Education at SOAS–HARI University and Telangana State Head (Agriculture) of the All India Professional Congress (AIPC), has been conferred the Young Scientist Award–2025.
The honour was presented by the Science & Technology Society for Integrated Rural Improvement (S&T SIRI) at the National Conference PAHAADI–2025, held on December 24–25 at Sambodhi Retreat, Dhanbad, Jharkhand. The award acknowledges Dr Saikanth’s sustained and impactful contributions to agricultural research, extension, and teaching over more than a decade.
An alumnus of Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, where he earned his PhD in Agricultural Extension Education, Dr Srikanth also holds an M.Sc (Ag) from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. He further strengthened his technical expertise with a Post Graduate Diploma in Plant Health Management from National Institute of Plant Health Management, specializing in plant bio-security and incursion management.
Dr Saikanth brings with him rich professional experience spanning rural banking and premier national agricultural institutions. His career includes roles as Rural Development Officer at Andhra Bank, Senior Research Fellow at National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Agricultural Consultant at National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management, and research assignments with ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute and the Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad.
Widely regarded for his expertise in extension management, ICT applications in agriculture, rural livelihoods, gender studies, monitoring and evaluation, and educational technology, Dr Saikanth has authored numerous research papers in reputed national and international journals. His academic portfolio also includes patents, copyrights, books, and book chapters in agricultural extension and allied sciences, along with multiple academic honors from professional bodies.
Beyond academia, he has demonstrated strong leadership among youth and professionals. He earlier served as State President of the All India Agricultural Students Association (AIASA), Telangana, organized the 6th National Youth Convention at PJTSAU, Hyderabad, and acted as National Chairman of the National Agribusiness and Incubation Cell, AIASA, New Delhi.
The Young Scientist Award–2025 places Dr Saikanth among a select group of emerging scholars whose work bridges research, policy, and grassroots extension—reinforcing Telangana’s position on the national agricultural research map.
