Dr. Chandra Surya Rao Merugu | Horticulture Awards | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Chandra Surya Rao Merugu | Horticulture Awards | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Chandra Surya Rao Merugu, Vignans Foundation for Science, Technology and Research, India

Dr. Merugu Chandra Surya Rao is an accomplished horticulturist and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticulture at M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha. With a strong academic background, he holds a Ph.D. in Horticulture from Dr. YSR Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh, specializing in the influence of irrigation methods and crop factors on oil palm, as well as the effect of packing materials and storage conditions on palmyrah products. Dr. Rao has received several prestigious awards, including the Elsevier SSRN Best Researcher Award (2020) and the Outstanding Thesis Award (2021). He has also presented research at national seminars and guided master’s research scholars in topics related to horticultural crops such as watermelon and yard long beans. His teaching experience spans over two years, and he is also the coordinator for Post Graduate Studies in Horticulture at his institution. Dr. Rao is proficient in English, Hindi, and Telugu and has contributed to various guest lectures and research guidance. His achievements extend beyond academia, having represented his university in athletics, badminton, and cricket, and being recognized for his efforts in greenery restoration after the HUDHUD Cyclone.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award: Dr. Merugu Chandra Surya Rao

Dr. Merugu Chandra Surya Rao is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award based on his exceptional academic and research achievements, as well as his contributions to the field of Horticulture. His extensive background in the study of oil palm and Palmyrah, combined with his leadership as an Assistant Professor and Coordinator for Post Graduate Studies in Horticulture, exemplifies his commitment to advancing knowledge and supporting the next generation of researchers.

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Horticulture (Spices, Plantation, Medicinal, and Aromatic Crops)
    College of Horticulture, Dr. YSR Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh, 2020
    CGPA: 8.52
  • M.Sc. in Horticulture (Spices, Plantation, Medicinal, and Aromatic Crops)
    College of Horticulture, Dr. YSR Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh, 2017
    CGPA: 8.64 (1st Class)
  • B.Sc. (Hons.) in Horticulture
    College of Horticulture, Dr. YSR Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh, 2015
    CGPA: 8.29 (1st Class)
  • Intermediate (BiPC)
    Board of Intermediate Education, APRJC-Nagarjuna Sagar, 2010
    Percentage: 87.30% (A Grade)
  • SSC
    Board of Secondary Education, Andhra Pradesh, 2008
    Percentage: 85.50% (1st Division)
  • Hindi Parichai Pariksha
    Dakshin Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha, Madras
    Class I (2003, 2004, 2004, 2006, 2007)

Work Experience:

  • Assistant Professor (Horticulture)
    M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Parlakhemundi, Gajapathi District, Odisha
    Duration: 1 year and 23 months (Current role)
    Responsibilities: Teaching, guiding research scholars, coordinating Post Graduate Studies in the Department of Horticulture.
  • Guest Lectures / Invited Talks
    Given a guest lecture on “Value Addition of Palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer) – An Underexploited Crop” to ICAR – IIHR, Ph. D. Research Scholars.

Publication top Notes:

Enhancing the Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals by Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Consortium: A Narrative Review

Physico-Chemical Properties of Palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L.) Natural and Value Added Products