Dr. US Gautam, the distinguished Principal Scientist and Deputy Director General (Agriculture Extension) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), retired on January 31, 2025, after a remarkable career spanning over three decades, during which his contributions to agricultural research and extension have left a lasting impact on the sector.
Dr. Gautam made significant contributions to the field of agricultural extension and research. He earned his graduate and post-graduate degrees from the Institute of Agricultural Science, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, and later completed his Ph.D. in Dairy Extension from the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, in 1989. His doctoral work focused on enhancing the adoption of dairy practices among farmers, a subject he continued to influence throughout his career.
His journey at ICAR began in 1989 as an Assistant Extension Specialist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Bajoura, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, becoming a Senior Scientist in 1998 and later serving as Principal Scientist and Head of the Socio-Economic and Extension Research Programme at the ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, Bihar.
From 2006 to 2012, Dr. Gautam served as the Zonal Project Director for Zone VII, overseeing agricultural extension programs in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. His leadership in agricultural extension further strengthened during his tenure as the Director of ICAR-ATARI, Kanpur, from February 2015, where he managed 81 KVKs across Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Dr. Gautam’s exemplary work earned him numerous prestigious awards and recognitions, including the Swamy Sahajanand Saraswati Extension Scientist Award, the ICAR Award for Outstanding Multidisciplinary Team Research in Agricultural and Allied Sciences, and the Fakruddin Ali Ahmed Award for Research in Tribal Farming Systems. He was also honored with the Best Extension Professional Award and the Dr. K.N. Singh Memorial Award for his outstanding contributions to extension education.
Additionally, Dr. Gautam served as the Vice-Chancellor of Banda University of Agriculture and Technology from 2018 to 2021, further extending his influence in agricultural education and research.
His legacy includes the national recognition of KVKs in Satna (MP) and Bastar (CG) for excellence in agricultural extension. Dr. Gautam’s impact on farm information and extension services has shaped policies and practices that benefit farmers across the country.
As Dr. Gautam steps into retirement, his lasting contributions to agricultural extension, research, and education will continue to inspire future generations of scientists and agricultural professionals. His expertise and invaluable knowledge will remain a cornerstone of support, empowering institutions, universities, and key agricultural stakeholders for years to come.
