Profile & Professional Summary
Name: Dr. Nagendra Rai
Designation: Head, Vegetable Improvement Division
Email: nagendra.rai@icar.org.in, nrai1964@gmail.com
Mobile No.: 8887957452
Education: Ph.D. (Horticulture)
Field of Specialization: Vegetable Improvement
Professional Experience:
> 32 years in education, research and extension
> 18 years as Principal Scientist / Professor
Research Interests:
- Genetic Improvement of Tomato and Legumes Vegetables.
Selected Publications (10 best)
- Tiwari J.K., Rai N., et al. (2025). G × E interaction in tomato using GGE & AMMI. Scientific Reports.
- Sharma S., Rai N., et al. (2024). Texture, colour & pungency changes in chilli. Scientia Horticulturae.
- Singh D.P., Rai N., et al. (2024). Metabolomics for heat tolerance in tomato. Plant Stress.
- Singh A.K., Rai N., et al. (2022). Thermo-tolerance in tomato. Frontiers in Plant Science.
- Rai N., et al. (2022). NAC TF role in drought stress in tomato. Plants-Basel.
- Rai K.K., Rai N., et al. (2020). SA & NO role in heat tolerance in Lablab. Journal of Biotechnology.
- Rai K.K., Rai N., et al. (2019). DREB TFs for salt tolerance in tomato. Environmental & Experimental Botany.
- Rai K.K., Rai N., et al. (2018). SA & NO reduce oxidative damage. Plant Physiology & Biochemistry.
- Singh A.K., Rai N., et al. (2017). Genetics of early blight resistance. Scientia Horticulturae.
- Sanwal S.K., Rai N., et al. (2010). Antioxidants in ginger clones. Scientia Horticulturae.
Awards & Recognition
- Fellow, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (2021)
- Fellow, PH-Society for Horticultural Research & Development (2022)
- Fellow, Society for Horticultural Research & Development (2020)
- Fellow, International Society for Noni Sciences (2020)
- Fellow in Horticultural Sciences (2016)
- Fellow, Indian Society of Vegetable Science (2012)
- ICAR JRF (1987)
- ICAR Fellowship (1983)
- Dr. Kirti Singh Memorial Award (2023)
- Vishwajeet Choudhary Memorial Award (2023)
- Dr. Harbhajan Singh Memorial Award (2022)
- Lifetime Achievement Award (2017)
- Reviewer Award (2016)
- H.T.H. Gold Medal (2013)
- Year of the Scientist Award (2010)
- Distinguished Scientist Award (2009)
- Young Scientist Associate Award (2008)
- Crop Research Award (2004)
- ICAR DDG Appreciation Letter (2004)
- BHU Scholarship (1990)
- National Scholarship (1981)
- National Talent Scholarship (1979)
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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