Dr. Lal Chand Prasad, Father of Educational Social Justices Movement in Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
Professor-cum-Senior Scientist
Genetics & Plant Breeding | Agricultural Innovation Leader
Dr. Lal Chand Prasad: A Visionary in Agricultural Innovation
Introduction
Dr. Lal Chand Prasad is a distinguished academician, scientist, and visionary leader with over four decades of dedicated service to agricultural education, research, and farmer-centric innovation. As a Professor-cum-Senior Scientist in the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), he has played a pivotal role in strengthening India’s wheat and barley improvement programs. His illustrious career is a testament to an unwavering commitment to scientific excellence, sustainable agriculture, and the pursuit of national food security.
Biography & Professional Journey
Born on August 3rd, 1954, in village- Mau Parasin, Thana- Mehnazpur, Tahasil- Lalganj Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Prasad embarked on his academic journey with a solid foundation in agricultural sciences. He earned his B.Sc. (Ag.) from Gorakhpur University, followed by an M.Sc. (Ag.) in Genetics and Plant Breeding from BHU. He later completed his Ph.D. at BHU, conducting pioneering research on genetic studies in barley. This formative work marked the beginning of his lifelong dedication to crop improvement and plant breeding research.
Dr. Prasad joined Banaras Hindu University in 1984. Over the years, he steadily progressed through various academic and research roles, including Research Assistant, Lecturer-cum-Junior Breeder, and Reader-cum-Scientist, eventually achieving the esteemed position of Professor-cum-Senior Scientist in 2007. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing coordinated national research programs, notably under the All India Coordinated Wheat and Barley Improvement Project, where he also served as In-
Charge from 2015 to 2017, guiding critical research efforts.
Academic Excellence & Research Leadership
With an extensive research experience spanning over 30 years, Dr. Prasad has been a dedicated mentor, guiding 20 Ph.D. scholars and numerous postgraduate students, thereby nurturing the next generation of agricultural scientists. He has successfully led and contributed to numerous international and national research projects, significantly expanding the frontiers of knowledge in his field. His prolific output includes over 140 research papers published in peer-reviewed journals, the authorship of three impactful
books, and active participation in more than 129 national and international conferences and workshops, where he has shared his ground breaking findings.
Innovations & Contributions
Dr. Prasad’s research has yielded several high-impact crop varieties that have greatly benefited Indian agriculture. Notable among these are HUB 113 (Mahamana 113) barley, celebrated for its exceptional yield and robust disease resistance, and HUW 669 wheat, specifically developed for optimal performance under rainfed conditions. His scientific endeavors have made significant contributions to enhancing disease resistance, climate resilience, and overall productivity in wheat and barley crops. Beyond the confines of the laboratory, Dr. Prasad has been a champion of technology transfer, actively promoting zero-tillage practices and engaging in farmer-participatory research. This hands-on approach ensures that scientific advancements are translated into tangible benefits for farming communities across the nation.
Leadership & Service
An inspiring and dedicated leader, Dr. Prasad has undertaken numerous academic and administrative responsibilities at BHU. His service includes chairing the SC/ST Grievance Redressal Cell and actively participating in various selection, admission, and disciplinary committees, demonstrating his commitment to the university’s smooth functioning. He has also represented India on the international stage as a Visiting Scientist at ICARDA in Syria, fostering global scientific collaboration. Through accessible communication channels such as radio and television talks, farmer meetings, and extensive field demonstrations, he has consistently worked to bridge the vital gap between cutting-edge research and practical, real-world agricultural application. He has god gifted nature for helping peoples and Bravely stand for the injustices. Because of this the peoples are called “LION OF BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY” in short “शेरे B.H.U”.
Vision
Dr. Lal Chand Prasad’s life and extensive work serve as a powerful testament to how the synergy of scientific rigor, ethical leadership, and profound social responsibility can collectively drive national progress. His enduring vision continues to inspire institutions, researchers, and farmers alike, guiding them toward a future characterized by sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agriculture for all.