Dr. N. K. Singh did his Ph. D. in the year 1993 from G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar. Presently, he is Professor/Senior Maize Breeder in the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar.
Dr. Singh has significantly contributed in the field of Genetics and Plant Breeding and Biotechnology in general and Maize Improvement in particular. He has contributed in development of seven maize hybrids namely Him-129, Pant Sankar Makka 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and Pant Popcorn 1 and one composite namely Pant Sankul Makka 3. He has developed 105 inbred lines including coloured sweet corn and popcorn lines. He took lead in induction of wild relative teosinte in maize improvement programme with objectives to domesticate wild alleles for improving adaptation and also for enhancement of maize germplasm. Using molecular markers, QTL mapping of some important characters has been done in teosinte derived maize population. In addition, research works on prediction of performance of hybrids, characterization of maize germplasm for carotenoids and validation of markers for carotenoids biosynthesis pathways have been completed successfully.
Dr. Singh has received DRDO Technology Group Award, Dr. R.B. Ekbote Award, Faculty Excellence Award, Fellow of ISGPB and ISHA. He has completed many research projects financed by LSRB (DRDO), DBT, ICAR, BRNS (DAE), NAIP, and NATP. He is teaching both under graduate and post-graduate courses regularly since the year 2006. He has successfully guided 8 Ph. D. and 11 M. Sc. students. He has published over 80 research articles, one edited book and many book chapters. He is a member of editorial board of IJGPB and reviewer for Crop science, Proteomic Research, Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture, Molecular Breeding, Food Biotechnology, Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences.
Considering his achievements and contributions in the area of Maize Genetics and Breeding, the empowered committee of the ISGPB has recommended Dr. N. K. Singh for Joginder Singh Memorial Award of the year 2019 and as such the Society confers upon him the same today on the 14th December 2019