Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice Chancellor of Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, has been honoured as an Honorary Life Fellow of the Entomological Society of India (ESI) for his exceptional contributions to the field of entomology. He received this recognition during the National Symposium on ‘Frontiers in Entomology-2025’ and ESI Foundation Day, organized by the ESI and the Division of Entomology, IARI in New Delhi on January 07, 2025.
Founded in 1938, the Entomological Society of India is one of the largest professional organizations in the country, dedicated to supporting entomologists and researchers in related disciplines. The society has been publishing the Indian Journal of Entomology since its inception, along with various books and technical bulletins.
Prof. Chandel is widely recognized for his work in insect-pest management, honey bee ecology, tri-trophic interactions, pesticide toxicology and natural farming practices aimed at sustainable crop production and increasing farmers' income. Notably, he played a pivotal role in implementing the state government’s flagship scheme, the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana (PK3Y).
As the first Executive Director of the scheme, he helped bring over 1.70 lakh farmers, particularly from mountainous regions, into the fold of natural farming. Since May 2022, he has been serving as the Vice Chancellor of UHF, Nauni, Solan.
Prof. Chandel has been involved in more than 20 national and state-funded research projects and has published over 200 research papers in renowned national and international journals. He is also at the forefront of generating scientific data on natural farming practices through collaborations with national and international institutions. In addition, he has made significant strides in empowering farmers, especially women and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
A prominent member of several national professional and government bodies, Prof. Chandel has served on the National Advisory Committee for promoting natural farming, the ICAR Society’s General Body and Governing Body, and the ICAR Committee on Natural Farming. He has also chaired and been a member of various committees, such as the QRTs and the Search-cum-Selection Committee for the appointment of Vice-Chancellors in various universities.
Upon receiving the honour, Prof. Chandel expressed his gratitude to the ESI and stated that this honour strengthens his resolve to continue working for the welfare of farmers in the state and across the country.
