Fortune Lindy Manganyi | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

Mrs. Fortune Lindy Manganyi | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

Research Technician at Agricultural Research Council, South Africa

Fortune Lindy Manganyi-Valoyi is a South African Research Technician at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), specializing in forage production and evaluation. She holds an MSc in Agriculture (Pasture Science) and has vast experience in fieldwork, project management, and research in the agricultural sector. Fortune is passionate about improving livestock production through forage crops, and she leads various research initiatives related to sustainable land management and environmental conservation. She is skilled in overseeing experimental trials, training farmers, and facilitating knowledge transfer. Additionally, she supervises forage production teams and interns, contributing to the development of South Africa’s agricultural research and knowledge base.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

MSc in Agriculture (Pasture Science), University of South Africa, 2024. BSc. Agriculture (Pasture Science) (Honours), University of Limpopo, 2014. Project Management (Certificate), University of Pretoria, 2024. Introduction to Seed Science (Certificate), University of Pretoria, 2022. Scientist Profession (SACNASP Registration), 2018. Senior Certificate, Nyanisi Secondary School, 2010

💼 Experience

Fortune has served as a Research Technician at ARC since December 2019, managing forage production projects, conducting veld condition assessments, and overseeing the evaluation of various forage species. She coordinates field trips, trains farmers, and supervises the forage production team. Previously, she worked as a Scientific Production Intern, Agricultural Advisor, and Postgraduate Trainee, gaining expertise in pasture management, research development, and sustainable agricultural practices.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Accepted Publications in African Journal of Range & Forage Science and Grasses Journal, 2024. Contributed to the development of scientific methodologies in forage crop preservation and seed germination research. Recognition for outstanding research contributions, including the publication on “The Potential for Endozoochorous Dispersal of Vachellia nilotica Seeds”. Active in national research initiatives for South African rangeland improvement, including funding for forage production trials and demonstration plots.

🔬 Research Focus

Fortune’s research focuses on sustainable forage production, seed germination, and the evaluation of Brachiaria and other indigenous grass species. She investigates methods to improve livestock feed through better crop practices, evaluating crops like Calobota sericea and Vachellia nilotica in semi-arid rangelands. Her work also addresses bush encroachment and water-limited agricultural conditions, striving for solutions in the optimization of forage resources in South Africa’s challenging ecological zones.

Conclusion

Fortune Lindy Manganyi-Valoyi is a highly promising candidate for the Young Scientist Award, demonstrating a blend of academic excellence, practical research contributions, and leadership potential. Her work in the forage and pasture science sector addresses key challenges in South Africa’s agricultural landscape, particularly regarding sustainable feed production and bush encroachment management. Given her solid academic background, significant research involvement, and leadership skills, she stands out as a deserving candidate for this recognition.

📚Publications 

  1. Ensiling as a technique for preservation of the nutritional quality of Vachellia nilotica
    • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science
    • Date: December 11, 2024
    • DOI: 10.2989/10220119.2024.2415667
    • Contributors: Fortune L Manganyi, Julius Tjelele, Khanyisile R Mbatha, Ngoako Letsoalo, Stephen Modiba, Thamsanqa Mpanza, Francuois Müller

 

  1. Seed Germination Responses to Temperature and Osmotic Stress Conditions in Brachiaria Forage Grasses
    • Journal: Grasses
    • Date: October 17, 2024
    • DOI: 10.3390/grasses3040019
    • Contributors: Francuois L. Müller, Jabulile E. Leroko, Clement F. Cupido, Igshaan Samuels, Nothando Ngcobo, Elizabeth L. Masemola, Fortune Manganyi-Valoyi, Tlou Julius Tjelele

 

  1. Influence of different temperatures on seedling growth and development of Calobota sericea, a semi-arid rangeland species of South Africa
    • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science
    • Date: July 2, 2024
    • DOI: 10.2989/10220119.2024.2311105
    • Contributors: Francuois Müller, Letty Masemola, Fortune Manganyi, Nothando Ngcobo

 

PATHIK SUTRADHAR | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

Mr. PATHIK SUTRADHAR | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

Mr at VISVA BHARATI, PALLI SIKSHA BHAVANA, India

Pathik Sutradhar, an M.Sc. Horticulture (Fruit Science) student at Visva-Bharati University, is passionate about combating climate change through precision farming. With expertise in soil and water management, remote sensing, and sustainable agriculture, he has participated in various research projects and training programs to enhance his technical knowledge. Pathik is skilled in advanced technologies like drones, geospatial tools, and data analysis, striving to create a globally sustainable environment.

Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education 

M.Sc. Horticulture (Fruit Science), Visva-Bharati University (2023–2025). B.Sc. Agricultural Sciences, Visva-Bharati University (2019–2023), OGPA: 8.02/10. B.A. Public Administration, Netaji Subhash Open University (2019–2022), Percentage: 87.61%. Higher Secondary Education, WBCHSE (2015), Percentage: 94.8%. Secondary Education, WBBSE (2013), Percentage: 55.57%

💼 Professional Experience

Laboratory Assistant, Soil Health Card Scheme (6 months). RAWE Internship, Crop and soil quality management (6 months). Experiential Trainee, Mushroom and biofertilizer production (3 months). Apprenticeship, Seed production and quality testing (3 months)

🏅 Awards & Honors

University merit scholarship (2019–2023). Developed “Pathonagri” website for sustainability awareness. Organizer of 6 programs and participant in 2 seminars (1 international, 1 national)

🔬 Research Focus

Precision farming techniques. Soil and water conservation technologies. Integration of remote sensing and drones in agriculture. Sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation methods

Conclusion

Pathik Sutradhar’s innovative mindset, practical experience, and dedication to sustainable farming position him as a strong contender for the Young Scientist Award. By addressing minor gaps, he has the potential to make significant contributions to global agricultural research.

Publications 📚

  • Role of Biofertilizer on Productivity and Growth of Kharif Crops in West Bengal Red Soil Zone
    • Journal: Just Agriculture
    • Year: 2024

 

  • LANDSAT 7 ETM
    • Authors: P. Sutradhar, P.S. Bhavana
    • Year: 2023

 

  • A Detailed Study on Agro Industrial Attachment
    • Institution: Visva-Bharati University and ICAR
    • Year: 2022

 

  • A Comprehensive Study on Rural Agricultural Work Experience
    • Institution: Visva-Bharati University and ICAR
    • Year: 2022

 

Raja Timilsina | Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Raja Timilsina | Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

PHD at the Asian Development Bank Institute, Japan

Raja Rajendra Timilsina, Ph.D., an Economist at the Asian Development Bank Institute, specializes in development economics, behavioral economics, and mechanism design. With a Ph.D. from Kochi University of Technology, he focuses on sustainability, agriculture, and economic behaviors. Timilsina has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications and research projects, showcasing his expertise in education, health, and cultural sustainability. Fluent in Japanese and English, he holds multiple awards and scholarships, including the ADB-JSP Scholarship for Masters. With extensive teaching experience and professional activities, he continues to influence policy and research in economic development and sustainability.

🔬 Experience

Economist-consultant, Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), July 2023-Current Assistant Professor (Project based), Kochi University of Technology, April 2021-March 2022 Research Associate, Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), April 2022-June 2023 Research Associate, Research Institute for Future Design, April 2018-March 2021 Plus various roles prior

🎓Education

Ph.D. in Economics, Kochi University of Technology, 2015-2018 Research Interest: Development economics, Experiment and Behavioral economics, Mechanism design Dissertation Title: Social design and sustainability of environmental resources: Learning from field experiments Masters in International Development Program (Economics), International University of Japan, 2009-2011 Bachelors of Business Administration (Finance), Tribhuvan University, 2003-2007

Awards and Scholarships

Multiple awards and scholarships including the ADB-JSP Scholarship for Masters

Research Interests

Education, Health, and Nutrition Agriculture, Climate Change, and Livelihood Economic Behaviors and Preferences Cultural Change and Intergenerational Sustainability Experimental and Development Economics

Publications Top Notes 📝