Rajesh Kumar Soothar | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Rajesh Kumar Soothar | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Sindh Agriculture Uiversity | Pakistan

Engr. Dr. Rajesh Kumar Soothar is an accomplished researcher and Assistant Professor in the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan. His research focuses on the sustainable management of soil and water resources, irrigation efficiency, and crop water productivity under varying climatic and salinity conditions. He has significantly contributed to developing innovative irrigation strategies, alternate water use systems, and drought mitigation techniques to enhance agricultural sustainability and food security in arid and semi-arid regions. Dr. Soothar’s scientific work integrates experimental research, modeling, and field-based approaches to improve water use efficiency and optimize crop performance under stress conditions such as drought and salinity. His studies have been widely recognized, with over 430 citations on Google Scholar (h-index: 12; i10-index: 16) and additional indexing on Scopus, reflecting his scholarly influence in agricultural water management and environmental sciences. His collaborative publications with international scholars have contributed to advancing understanding in areas such as saline water irrigation, drought priming, and soil-plant-water interactions. He is known for his excellence in teaching, mentorship, and leadership in research projects, promoting innovation and sustainable engineering solutions in agriculture. His impactful research and academic dedication position him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award in the field of Agricultural Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Tankari, M., Wang, C., Ma, H., Li, X., Li, L., Soothar, R. K., Zaman-Allah, M., & Cui, N. (2021). Drought priming improved water status, photosynthesis and water productivity of cowpea during post-anthesis drought stress. Agricultural Water Management, 245, 106565.

Soothar, R. K., Zhang, W., Liu, B., Tankari, M., Wang, C., Li, L., Xing, H., & Gong, D. (2019). Sustaining yield of winter wheat under alternate irrigation using saline water at different growth stages: A case study in the North China Plain. Sustainability, 11(17), 4564.

Soothar, R. K., Zhang, W., Zhang, Y., Tankari, M., Mirjat, U., & Wang, Y. (2019). Evaluating the performance of SALTMED model under alternate irrigation using saline and fresh water strategies to winter wheat in the North China Plain. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 26(33), 34499–34509.

Singha, A., Soothar, R. K., Wang, C., Marín, E. E. T., Tankari, M., Hao, W., & Wang, Y. (2022). Drought priming alleviated salinity stress and improved water use efficiency of wheat plants. Plant Growth Regulation, 1–12.

Chachar, A. N., Mirjat, M. U., Soothar, R. K., Shaikh, I. A., Mirjat, M. H., & Dahri, S. A. (2020). Effects of irrigation frequencies on soil salinity and crop water productivity of fodder maize. Acta Ecologica Sinica, 40(4), 277–282.

Alemayehu Hido Gedo | Biological Sciences | Academic Excellence Teacher Award

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Mr. Alemayehu Hido Gedo | Biological Sciences | Academic Excellence Teacher Award

Wolaita Sodo University | Ethiopia 

Academic Background

Mr. Alemayehu Hido Gedo holds a Master of Science degree in Production Forestry and a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Management and Utilization. His academic training has provided him with a solid foundation in sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, agroforestry systems, forest policy, and advanced research methodologies. He has undergone extensive professional training in proposal writing for international grants, statistical analysis, experimental design, and scientific report writing. Alemayehu’s research contributions are recognized internationally, with 72 citations, an h-index of 5, and an i10-index of three on Google Scholar, reflecting the quality and impact of his scholarly work in forestry and natural resource management. His publications are also indexed in Scopus, demonstrating the relevance of his research in global academic discourse.

Research Focus

Mr. Alemayehu Hido Gedo research primarily investigates the biophysical impacts of forest management, disturbances, and the sustainable utilization of forest resources. His work explores non-timber forest products, bamboo production, agroforestry practices, and the socio-economic aspects of forest resource management, integrating ecological and community perspectives to inform sustainable forestry interventions.

Work Experience

Mr. Alemayehu Hido Gedo has served as a lecturer and researcher at Wolaita Sodo University, delivering undergraduate courses in sustainable forest management, agroforestry systems, biodiversity conservation, and research methods. He has supervised student research projects and coordinated practical and laboratory training. Prior to his current role, he contributed as an assistant researcher at both the Ethiopian Environment and Forest Research Institute and the Southern Agricultural Research Institute, where he led research teams, developed scientific proposals, trained agricultural experts, and analyzed data for forest conservation and management initiatives. His early professional experience includes providing training and extension services in natural resource management for local communities.

Key Contributions

Mr. Alemayehu Hido Gedo has significantly advanced forestry research through the evaluation of non-timber forest products, bamboo production systems, and the socio-economic impacts of forest utilization. He has actively reviewed national and international research proposals, contributed to scientific capacity building, and published studies that inform policy and practice in sustainable forest management. His expertise bridges academic research, community engagement, and applied forestry, creating a tangible impact on environmental conservation and resource governance.

Awards & Recognition

Mr. Alemayehu Hido Gedo has been acknowledged for his academic excellence and teaching proficiency, receiving awards that highlight his dedication to higher education and his contributions to research and community service. His recognition extends to reviewing scholarly work and supporting university development through research mentorship.

Professional Roles & Memberships

Mr. Alemayehu Hido Gedo has served in leadership and coordination roles within research centers and academic institutions, including acting as a representative for forestry and agroforestry teams. Alemayehu is an active member of professional forestry and environmental networks, contributing to knowledge exchange and collaborative research initiatives.

Profile : 

Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Alemayehu, A., & Hido, A. (2023). Determinants and governance of bamboo production and marketing in Ethiopia: A critical review. Advances in Bamboo Science, 5, 100047.

Hido, A. (2018). Population Status and Resin Quality of Frankincense Boswellia neglecta Growing in South Omo, Southwestern Ethiopia. Hawassa University, Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources.

Gebremedhin, A. T., Hido, A. H., & Edo, G. Y. (2020). Evaluation of multi-functional fodder tree and shrub species in mid-altitudes of South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Journal of Horticulture and Forestry, 12(1), 27-34.

Hido, A., Teka, A., & Alemayehu, A. (2023). Analysis of Charcoal Producers Perceptions of Its Production, Forest Degradation, and Governance in Wolaita, Southern Ethiopia’s Dry Afromontane Forests. International Journal of Forestry Research, 2023, 3352702.

Hido, A., & Alemayehu, A. (2022). The social and economic significance of natural gum and resin in the Woodlands of South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. International Journal of Forestry Research, 2022, 8742823.

Impact Statement / Vision

Mr. Alemayehu Hido Gedoenvisions advancing sustainable forest management practices through research that integrates ecological, socio-economic, and policy dimensions. His goal is to generate knowledge that informs conservation strategies, supports community livelihoods, and strengthens the scientific foundation for resilient forest ecosystems.