Profile & Professional Summary
Name: Dr. Indivar Prasad
Designation: Senior Scientist (Plant Breeding)
Emails: indivar234@gmail.com, indivar.prasad@icar.org.in
Mobile No.: +91-97121 73082
Education: Ph.D. (Agriculture) — Genetics & Plant Breeding
Professional experience:
- 2007–2011: Assistant Breeder, Monsanto India Ltd., Ghaziabad (UP).
- 2011–2018: Scientist, ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, RRS, Bharuch (Gujarat).
- 2018–2021: Scientist, ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi (UP).
- 2021–Present: Senior Scientist, ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi (UP).
Research interests:
- Breeding of chilli/hot-pepper for high yield, disease resistance and quality.
- Genome editing in chilli for developing chilli leaf curl virus resistance/tolerance via host susceptibility factors.
- Breeding of vegetable legumes (French bean, cluster bean, faba bean) for yield, disease resistance and quality.
- Technology management and commercialization of technologies developed by ICAR-IIVR.
Selected Publications (10 best)
- Prasad, I., Rao, G.G., Chinchmalatpure, A.R., Kumar, S., Ramesh, N.V., Singh, C., & Sharma, D.K. (2016). Morphophysiological traits imparting salinity tolerance in maize hybrids under saline water irrigation. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 47(16):1930–1939.
- Prasad, I., Kulshreshtha, N., Chinchmalatpure, A.R., & Sharma, D.K. (2016). Genetic evaluation and AMMI analysis for salinity tolerance in diverse wheat germplasm. Cereal Research Communications, 44(2):217–228.
- Prasad, I., Kulshreshtha, N., Chinchmalatpure, A.R. & Sharma, D.K. (2015). Genetic variability, trait association and multivariate analysis of elite CIMMYT wheat germplasm for yield and sodicity tolerance. Journal of Soil Salinity and Water Quality, 7(2):115–123.
- Sharma, S., Singh, S., Singh, S.K., Kumar, R., Prasad, I., Panwar, S., Krishna H., Bahadur A. & Rai, N. (2024). Exploring changes in texture, colour, pungency and storability in diverse chilli genotypes. Scientia Horticulturae, 338:113669.
- Vineeth, T.V., Prasad, I., Chinchmalatpure, A.R., Lokeshkumar, B.M., Kumar, S., Ravikiran, K.T., & Sharma, P.C. (2022). WAASB based selection of stable Asiatic cotton genotypes for salt-affected Vertisols. Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding, 82(1):104–108.
- Kumar, R., Prasad, I., Singh, A.K., Rai, A., Nagendran, K., Singh, P.M., & Singh, J. (2019). Identification of resistant sources against chilli leaf curl virus disease through field and molecular screening. Vegetable Science, 46(1&2):17–22.
- Vibhute, S.D., Chinchmalatpure, A.R., TV, V., Kumar, S., Gorain, B., Prasad, I., Camus, D. & Shukla, M. (2024). Alternate use of fresh and saline waters to improve water productivity and soil sustainability of drip irrigated wheat. Arid Land Research and Management, 38(4):571–590.
- Singh, C., Kumar, V., Prasad, I., Patil, V.R., & Rajkumar, B.K. (2016). Response of upland cotton genotypes to drought stress using drought tolerance indices. Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology, 19(1):53–59.
- Reddy, M., Kumar, R., Ponnam, N., Prasad, I., Barik, S.P., Pydi, R., Timmarao, S., Narigapalli, P., Shaik, M. & Pasupula, K. (2023). Chili: Breeding and Genomics. Vegetable Science, pp.177–188.
- Chinchmalatpure, A.R., Kumar, S., Rao, G.G., Nikam, V.R., Prasad, I., Camus, D. & Sharma, D.K. (2018). Impact of irrigation on soil characteristics in saline Vertisols of Bara tract under Sardar Sarovar Canal Command. Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science, 66(4):381–385.
Awards & Recognition
- Visiting Faculty — Dartmouth College, USA (2025).
- Harbhajan Singh Memorial Award (2020).
- ICAR-JRF (2005).
- ICAR-NET (2009, 2010).
- ICAR-SRF (2013).
- Breeding Champion Award — Monsanto (2008).
- Best paper and poster awards (5 each).
Contact & Additional Info
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions page of the ICAR–Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR), Varanasi. This section answers commonly asked questions related to the institute and its activities.
What is the significance of ICAR-IIVR?
ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi is a field unit of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research under the aegis of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
Vegetables are vital to Indian agriculture and nutritional security due to their short duration, high yield, nutritional richness, economic viability, and ability to generate on-farm and off-farm employment. India’s diverse agro-climates make it possible to grow a wide range of vegetables.
The All India Coordinated Research Project on Vegetable Crops (AICRP–VC) was established in 1971 at IARI, New Delhi to coordinate vegetable research across India. In 1986, its status was elevated to the Project Directorate of Vegetable Research (PDVR). The headquarters was shifted to Varanasi in 1992, and a full-fledged Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR) was established in 1999. AICRP–VC continues with its headquarters at IIVR and a network of centres across the country.
Vision
To enhance and sustain productivity, quality, and utilization of vegetable crops through research and innovation.
Mandate
- Conduct basic, strategic, and applied research to enhance and sustain productivity of vegetable crops.
- Serve as a repository of vegetable genetic resources and scientific information.
- Transfer technologies, build capacity, and assess the impact of technologies.
- Coordinate and validate research under AICRP on Vegetable Crops.
ICAR-IIVR currently has research programs on 42 vegetable crops, focusing on tomato, brinjal, chilli, peas, French bean, cowpea, cauliflower, cabbage, cucurbits, okra, radish, and carrot.
What is the organizational setup of ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi?
The institute functions through AICRP (VC) and three main divisions:
- Division of Vegetable Improvement
- Division of Vegetable Production
- Division of Vegetable Protection
Supporting sections include Estate & Maintenance, Vehicle, Farm, and Guest House, among others.
What is the staff strength of the Institute?
| Category | Sanctioned Strength | Staff in Position | Vacant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific | 63 | 50 | 13 |
| – Scientist | 45 | 39 | 6 |
| – Senior Scientist | 12 | 8 | 4 |
| – Principal Scientist | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Technical | 26 | 20 | 6 |
| – Technician (T-1) | 11 | 10 | 1 |
| – Technical Assistant (T-3) | 3 | 8 | 5 |
| – Sr. Technical Assistant (T-4) | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Administrative | 20 | 10 | 10 |
| Skilled Supporting Staff | 16 | 16 | 0 |
| Grand Total | 125 | 96 | 29 |
What are the various varieties developed by ICAR-IIVR?
The following table is a placeholder for the varieties developed by ICAR-IIVR. You can replace these rows with the complete list.
What are the various facilities available at ICAR-IIVR?
Facilities include research labs, germplasm repository, seed technology research unit, training & extension centers, and guest houses for visitors.
What are the various job opportunities available at the institute?
ICAR-IIVR offers opportunities in scientific, technical, administrative, and support categories, as well as project-based and fellowship roles. Updates are posted on the institute website.
What are the various publications of the institute?
- Annual Report
- Technical Bulletins
- Extension Folders
- Sabji Kiran
- Vegetable Newsletter
What are the various research activities of the institute?
Research includes hybrid and variety development, germplasm conservation, pest and disease management, seed technology, and post-harvest research, with national and international collaborations.
What are the holidays observed at ICAR-IIVR?
The institute follows ICAR’s annual holiday calendar published each year.
What are the details of the ICAR-IIVR Guest House?
ICAR-IIVR maintains two guest houses:
- Main Campus Guest House (also used as Farmers’ Training Hostel)
- IIVR Guest House, Sunderbagia, Varanasi – 221005
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