By Shashank P. R.
Dr. Poonam Jasrotia's career is a testament to her untiring dedication and passion for entomology and plant protection. Her journey began with a profound fascination for insects, particularly butterflies, during her undergraduate studies at CSHPKV, Palampur. Driven by her interest in the biological control of pests. Her academic excellence earned her gold medals for both her doctoral and undergraduate work. Her professional trajectory includes diverse roles and international experiences. From an Assistant Professorship at SKUAST, Jammu, to post-doctoral research in Israel and the USA, she has significantly contributed to pest management research. Her leadership roles, including her tenure as a Research Co-ordinator at GLBRC, MSU, USA, and various positions at ICAR, have honed her research vision and management skills.
Joining ICAR as a Senior Scientist, Dr. Jasrotia's journey through various esteemed institutions eventually led her to her current role as Assistant Director General (ADG), Plant Protection and Biosafety, ICAR. With a strong focus on innovative research and environmental sustainability, she is committed to advancing crop protection technologies and promoting agricultural research for farmers. In this interview, Dr. Jasrotia, shares her professional journey key achievements, and vision for the future of plant protection in India with Dr. P. R. Shashank, managing editor of Indian Entomologist.
Can you share a brief overview of your professional journey and what led you to this position at ICAR?
My profound fascination with insects, particularly colourful butterflies, marked the beginning of my career as an entomologist. In my second year of agricultural undergraduate studies at CSHPKV, Palampur, I decided to pursue a Master's degree in the field of entomology. My desire to study the biological control of potato tuber moth inspired me to obtain a CSIR Senior Fellowship for my graduate studies. This allowed me to refine my abilities in integrated pest management and biological control while gaining invaluable field experience. I received a gold medal from the university for my doctoral work and a gold medal for my B.Sc. in agriculture with a focus on crop protection. After completing my Ph.D, I joined as an Assistant Professor in SKUAST, Jammu in 2004. In 2005, I was awarded the Israel Govt Fellowship to pursue my post-doc in ARO Volcani Centre on thrips and mealybugs ecology. In 2007, I got the opportunity to move to North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA where I did a post-doc on thrips management as vectors of tospo viruses in tomato. In 2008, I got a new position of Research Co-ordinator at Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC), MSU, USA, which was research cum management position. I joined ICAR in the year 2012 as a Senior Scientist at ICAR-Directorate of Groundnut Research (DGR), Junagadh, Gujarat. After spending 3 years at DGR, Junagadh I joined ICAR-IIWBR, Karnal in year 2015.
Working in various institutions broadened my research vision and improved my management skills especially while working as Research Co-ordinator at GLBRC, USA, and then PI-Coordination of AICRP on wheat and barley, and PME I/C, IIWBR Karnal for more than five years prompted me to apply for the research management position of ADG (Plant Protection and Biosafety). Therefore, my path eventually led me to this prestigious position, and I am very much positive to contribute towards focussing on cutting-edge research through innovative projects tackling new pest challenges while promoting environmental sustainability. Working directly with ICAR's committed scientists will have an impact on crop protection technologies, and this position fits nicely with my professional goals and passion for promoting agricultural research for farmers.
What are some of the key achievements in your career that you are most proud of?
Hailing from the small town of Hiranagar in District Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, I never imagined during my school days that I would one day work with renowned foreign researchers. However, upon entering university, I came to know about the HRD Fellowship Program. In my first attempt, I was able to secure the Israel Government Fellowship—an achievement that remains etched in my memory as a cherished milestone. My research journey on thrips alongside Dr. David Ben Yakir at ARO, Volcani Centre, Israel and subsequently with Dr. George Kennedy at NCSU, Raleigh, USA, broadened my research horizons significantly. It was during these experiences that I learned the meticulous nature of research and how even small steps can profoundly influence research outcomes.
Another pivotal achievement was the opportunity to contribute to wheat, a crop traditionally considered less dynamic for entomologists but one that presented unexpected opportunities. Collaborating with a diverse team of breeders, biotechnologists, physiologists, agronomists, and pathologists, I worked towards a common goal of enhancing food security through the development of wheat varieties that are crucial for farmers. This experience underscored the immense importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in agricultural research.
What is your vision for plant protection in India, and how do you plan to achieve it during your tenure?
My vision is to advance cutting-edge research focused on developing climate-resilient crop varieties that are tolerant to biotic stresses, alongside enhanced utilization of eco-friendly pesticides, bio-control agents, and digital tools for early pest and disease detection. Establishing state-of-the-art Pest Diagnostics and Surveillance Centers will help for monitoring pest populations, detect outbreaks swiftly, and provide essential diagnostic services to farmers quickly. Implementing advanced monitoring and control systems such as drones, GIS, and remote sensing will enhance early detection capabilities for pests and disease pathogens. A network of Field Research Stations must be established to rigorously test and validate plant protection strategies and biosafety protocols under real-world conditions. Additionally, specialized Biosafety Containment Facilities are essential for conducting research on high-risk pathogens and GMOs in strict containment environments. Finally, establishing Centralized Data and Information Centers will enable the collection, storage, and analysis of data related to plant protection and biosafety, facilitating informed decision-making and rapid responses.
What are the immediate priorities and long-term goals you have set for the department?
Immediate priorities in plant protection will include strengthening the regulatory frameworks with DAC to curb pesticide misuse, promoting integrated pest management (IPM) practices, and increasing investment in biotechnological research for developing resilient crop varieties. Long-term goals are initiating efforts to build robust infrastructure for disease surveillance and early warning systems, fostering public-private partnerships for technology transfer, and scaling up organic farming initiatives. Addressing climate change impacts on agriculture through adaptive strategies and promoting biodiversity conservation through stakeholder awareness will be another priority.
What are some of the biggest challenges you see in plant protection in India today?
In India, significant challenges in plant protection persist despite advancements. Pesticide misuse and resistance, exacerbated by inadequate regulatory oversight, pose environmental and health risks. Limited access to advanced technologies and information among farmers hinders the adoption of sustainable pest management practices. Climate change intensifies pest pressures and alters ecosystems, demanding adaptive strategies. Poor infrastructure for disease diagnostics and extension services limits timely interventions. Socio-economic factors such as small farm sizes and uneven access to credit impede investment in resilient crop varieties and modern farming techniques. Addressing these challenges requires integrated policies, enhanced research, and greater farmer education to ensure sustainable agriculture and food security in India.
How do you plan to foster innovation and research in plant protection within ICAR?
ICAR needs to prioritize funding for interdisciplinary research, foster public-private partnerships, and enhance technology transfer from laboratories to fields to drive innovation and advance research in plant protection. Additionally, supporting startups and offering incentives for novel pest management strategies can ignite innovation within the sector. Continuous dialogue with farmers to grasp their challenges and integrate indigenous knowledge into research efforts is crucial for developing effective, context-specific solutions. Ultimately, a comprehensive approach that integrates science, policy, and community engagement will be pivotal in propelling plant protection efforts forward in India.
Can you discuss any upcoming projects or research initiatives that you are particularly excited about?
I am enthusiastic about spearheading projects that harness sensors, drones, and satellite imagery for real-time monitoring of crop health. This innovation promises targeted applications of pesticides and fertilizers, reducing environmental footprint and optimizing resource efficiency. Additionally, I am passionate about advancing genetic technologies like CRISPR/Cas9 and RNAi to develop pest-resistant crop varieties and precision pest control strategies based on specific genetic traits. Addressing climate change impacts is another priority, involving climate modeling, pest population monitoring, and adaptive strategy development. Strengthening efforts to create sustainable, plant-derived pesticides such as botanicals, augmented by nanotechnology for enhanced efficacy and eco-friendliness, represents a significant frontier in agricultural innovation.
What inspires you the most about your work in plant protection?
I consider myself lucky to work directly for farmers, who are the backbone of our nation's economy. The persistent challenge of insect pests and diseases in crops motivates me to seek innovative and effective management solutions. My enthusiasm for the field of plant protection is fuelled by the knowledge that our efforts can significantly improve crop health, enhance livelihoods, and conserve precious natural resources. Ultimately, I am driven by the tangible impact our initiatives can have on shaping a more resilient and sustainable future for agriculture.
Do you have any advice for young scientists and researchers aspiring to work in agricultural research and plant protection?
My advice to all young scientists and researchers in any field is to start by clearly defining your research goals and then methodically pursue them step-by-step. While today's work culture often demands multitasking, it's crucial to dedicate time to reading research articles to deepen your understanding and acquire new skills relevant to your area of study. Most importantly, cultivate a genuine passion for your work and maintain belief in your research endeavors. Strive to achieve excellence in your field and aspire to reach the highest echelons or become a leading figure in your research domain.
Where do you see the field of plant protection in India in the next 5 years?
Indian plant protection is poised for significant advancements across several fronts: precision agriculture, biotechnological tools for pest resistance, biologically produced insecticides, and pheromone-based pest management strategies. The adoption of eco-friendly pest management practices, resilient crop varieties, and digital farming tools will play pivotal roles in enhancing agricultural productivity, minimizing environmental footprint, and bolstering economic growth and food security in India. Furthermore, increased international cooperation in trade, legislation, and the eradication of invasive species will be critical to ensure global food security and sustainable agricultural practices worldwide.
Team Indian Entomologist congratulates Dr. Poonam Jasrotia on her appointment as the ADG, Plant Protection and Biosafety at ICAR. Your achievement as the first woman to hold this prestigious position is truly inspiring. Wishing you great success in your new role.
Shashank P. R., is a Senior Scientist (Entomology) at the Division of Entomology, ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. His field of specialization is insect taxonomy and invasive pests. He is the Founding Managing Editor of Indian Entomologist.
Email: spathour@gmail.com
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