This award honors Dr. Bhalerao's research in the effects of potassium and potash dynamics in soil on the growth, yield and quality of bananas
GURGAON, India, Feb. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mosaic Company presented Vikrant Bhalerao, Ph.D., with its second annual The Mosaic Company Foundation Award for Outstanding Doctoral Research in the area of Plant Nutrition, which focused on the cycles and management of potash (K), sulfur (S) and zinc (Zn), as well as each nutrient's role in addressing human malnutrition, environmental services, and disease resistance. This competitive award recognizes, incentivizes and honors doctoral students of truly exceptional ability and originality of thought for their contribution to the field of plant nutrition. Bhalerao received a gold medal and trophy with a monetary award of INR 150,000 ($2,400 USD) during a ceremony on Friday, February 26, 2016 at the S. M. Sehgal Foundation in Gurgaon, India.
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"I am grateful to Mosaic for honoring my nearly ten years of banana research with this prestigious award. It certainly boosts my energy and enthusiasm in further carrying out research for the benefit of the farming community," said Bhalerao. "This award also offers motivation to junior and fellow researchers working in this region of the world to undertake research programs with great sincerity and hard work."
Bhalerao was selected by an independent award jury for The Mosaic Company Foundation Award in February 2016. His research study titled, "Potassium Dynamics as Influenced by Potassium Application to Banana in Inceptisol," examined the effect of levels of potassium on K dynamics in Vertic Haplustepts soil and also on the growth, yield and quality of bananas. Read more information about the award process.
"Dr. Bhalerao's work provides real and immediate value to farmers and those facing malnutrition in India. His agronomy research and new technologies are helping to optimize plant yields and improve the nutritional quality of food," said Kevin Kimm, Managing Director of Mosaic India, The Mosaic Company. "We are pleased to recognize Dr. Bhalerao and his contributions to soil science, crop nutrition and human health."
Bhalerao currently works a soil scientist at Banana Research Station (M.P.A.U.), Jalgaon (M.S.). He holds a Master of Science degree in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry and doctorate degree in Soil Science from the Mahatma Phule Agricultural University, Rahuri Dist. Ahmednagar (M.S.) in first class with distinction. Bhalerao has published 26 research papers, 17 technical papers and 124 popular articles, and he's contributed to hundreds of agricultural officers and farmer training programmes. He's earned numerous recognition, including a Jindal Jubilee gold medal for securing highest marks in M.Sc. (Agri.), 'PPIC' fellowship from Potash and Phosphate Institute of Canada, India Programme, Gurgaon for PG studies, University merit scholarship for UG and PG studies, Vasantdada Patil memorial first prize for best research paper in Agriculture by Deccan Sugar Technologist Association, Pune, 'Baliraja' awards for best popular articles for the farming community during 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2005.
The award ceremony was attended by members in the scientific agricultural community, including chief guest Dr. David Bergvinson, Director General, International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics. The special address was delivered by Dr. J.C. Katyal, formerly Vice Chancellor at Haryana Agricultural University. Thomas Philbin, Vice President, Sales and International Distribution, The Mosaic Company presented the keynote address.
About The Mosaic Company and The Mosaic Company Foundation
The Mosaic Company is the world's leading producer and marketer of concentrated phosphate and potash, two essential crop nutrients. Mosaic is a single-source provider of phosphate and potash fertilizers and feed ingredients for the global agriculture industry. Driven by its mission to help the world grow the food it needs, Mosaic is committed to strengthening global food security and protecting critical water resources. The Mosaic Company and The Mosaic Company Foundation make investments in and partner with best-of-class leaders in the focus areas of food, water and local community investments. Learn more at www.mosaicco.com.
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SOURCE The Mosaic Company
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