Dr Pushpajeet L Choudhari is posted as Manager- CRAL, ICRISAT with 5+ years of expertise in managing the FAO accredited state-of-the-art soil laboratory. Dr Pushpajeet is elected and will serve as the Chair- FAO SEALNET (Asian Soil Laboratory Network) for the 2024-2026 term. Dr Pushpajeet is known for ensuring the quality and accuracy of soil and crop analysis conforming with the international standards and devising strategies for soil and plant health management in synergy with agronomists, breeders for generating tailored soil test-based fertilizer recommendations. Dr Pushpajeet is at the forefront of co-ordinating bilateral/ government funded projects related to soil health monitoring, carbon sequestration, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable soil health management. Dr Pushpajeet's comprehensive analytical abilities have enabled him to successfully upgrade the government soil testing laboratories in Odisha, with a commitment towards modernizing soil testing facilities. Also engaged in conducting capacity building programmes for NARS partners/ government agencies and scaling-up of proven agricultural technologies through fertility validation trials under various agri-based livelihood projects.
Dr Pushpajeet is a doctorate in Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry from Dr. PDKV, Akola with specialization in Land Resource Management. Dr Pushpajeet has stints in ICAR institutes -National Bureau of Soil Survey & Land Use Planning (NBSS & LUP) and Central Institute of Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA). Dr Pushpajeet has published research articles, and book chapters in national and international peer-reviewed journals. He mentors Ph.D scholars and interns for leveraging their research and analytical skills in soil and crop quality research.