PAU Awards Agronomist For Contribution to Weed Research

PAU honours agronomist for significant contributions to weed science

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has bestowed a prestigious recognition on principal agronomist Simerjeet Kaur from the Department of Agronomy for her outstanding work in weed research, teaching, and extension services.

Kaur has been awarded the “Dr Hardyal Singh Gill Distinguished Professor Chair in Weed Science Award” for a tenure of four years. The honour commemorates Dr Hardyal Singh Gill, a former head of the Agronomy Department (1978–1983) and a nationally renowned weed scientist who played a pioneering role in strengthening weed research at PAU. The chair was established to celebrate excellence and encourage advanced studies in weed management.

During her decade-long service (2008–2018) under the All-India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on weed management, Kaur contributed significantly to national research initiatives. Under her involvement, PAU received the Best Centre Team Award in 2016. Her work spans weed management and conservation agriculture-based cropping systems, resulting in the development of 30 crop production and protection technologies.

A distinguished researcher and educator, Kaur has published 90 research papers, including 29 in NAAS-rated journals (above 6.0). Her academic output also includes five books/manuals, 11 book chapters, 16 edited books and bulletins, and 117 extension articles.

She has supervised six MSc and four PhD scholars as a major advisor and has taught 35 agronomy courses across undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Kaur also holds notable editorial roles: she serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Indian Journal of Agronomy, Associate Chief Editor of the Indian Journal of Weed Science, and Associate Editor for international journals such as Crop Science, Journal of Agricultural Science (Cambridge), and Frontiers in Agronomy.

She has undergone advanced training in the United States, and her contributions have earned her several honours, including a PAU Appreciation Certificate and fellowships from the Indian Society of Agronomy (ISA) and Indian Society of Weed Science (ISWS).