Dr Suresh K. Malhotra

Vice Chancellor, Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal, Haryana

Dr Suresh Malhotra is the Vice Chancellor of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal. He has served in top leadership positions in India, including Agriculture Commissioner, Horticulture Commissioner and Director of two Indian Council of Agriculture Research institutes.

He has successfully planned and implemented new mission programmes on pulses, edible oils, millet and honey. As a researcher, he developed 16 varieties of seed spice crops, used in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. As Chair of four regulatory systems in India, he brought about several policy changes, related to pesticides, biostimulants and fertilisers. He was Chair of the Shadow Committee of the FAO – Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables tasked with finalising Codex standards for aubergine, okra, ware potato and date palm, which are now used as the basis for trade globally. His contributions have earned him many prestigious awards, including Bio Ag Asia and Global Leadership in Agriculture.

Dr Malhotra has chaired national-level task forces and committees to provide solutions to emerging problems in agriculture. In addition, he has represented the government at international events, including introducing the proposal for the International Year of Millets to the FAO, which was approved for 2023.

He has published over 324 research papers, books and book chapters and is the President and Vice President of six professional societies, among other positions.