My journey from IIT Kharagpur to the rice fields of Karnal — and how a plant pathologist’s wisdom transformed Basmati farming forever.
After graduating from IIT Kharagpur, my professional journey began at United Rice Ltd. in Karnal. Interestingly, the first-generation promoters of Tilda Rice Ltd. were also behind United Riceland Ltd., where I started as a fresher.
While my initial challenge was overseeing the successful commissioning of Satake’s friction polishing technology, the real problem we faced was much deeper — how to increase farm production of Basmati rice.
As I visited multiple farms, it became evident that a fungal disease was significantly deterring farmers from cultivating Basmati. Their lack of motivation was understandable — low yields due to disease made it a risky crop.
During this critical phase, I reached out to the Agricultural University, Rohtak, particularly its extension service center at Kaul. There, I met Dr. S.C. Ahuja, a respected Plant Pathologist, who proved instrumental in addressing the issue.
With his guidance, we initiated awareness campaigns and encouraged farmers to spray Bavistin, a fungicide that could effectively combat the issue. In fact, I personally took part in spraying the fields during the 1986 season.
The results were nothing short of remarkable. By 1987, farm production saw a significant boost, and for the first time, India began to emerge prominently on the global map as a leading exporter of Basmati rice. This collaboration between science and field practice was a turning point.
🔬 Honoring Dr. SC Ahuja’s Legacy
Now retired, Dr. S.C. Ahuja reached out to me with a valuable gesture — he wished to share his invaluable collection of scientific research papers related to rice storage, nutrition, and aroma. With great respect and a sense of responsibility, I am beginning to publish these works here on my blog, one paper at a time, for the benefit of researchers, students, and industry professionals alike.
This is the first installment in the series. I believe many in the agricultural and food science communities will find this body of work incredibly insightful.
📚 Featured Research Papers by Dr. S.C. Ahuja:
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Effect of Storage on Fatty Acid (Oryza sativa L.) Profiles of Basmati Rice Genotypes – Effecct of storage on fatty acid profiles of basmati rices_0001
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Influence of Storage on Aroma and Activities of Phytase, Peroxidase, Amylase, and Lipase in Basmati and Non-Basmati Rice- INFLUENCE OD STORAGE ON AROMA and ENZYME ACTIVITIES IN BASMATI _0001
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Nutritional Evaluation of Basmati Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes- NUTRIION IN VARIOUS BASMATI RICES _0001
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Studies on Phytic Acid, Aroma, and Leachates of Basmati Rice (Oryza sativa L.) During Storage- PHYTIC ACID AROMA AND LEACHATES OF BASMATI DURING STORAGE DEKA_0001
📧 For Further Reference or Collaboration:
You may directly reach out to:
Dr. S.C. Ahuja
Senior Plant Pathologist
Rice Research Station, CCS HAU, Kaul
📧 Email: sca4719@yahoo.co.uk
Mrs. Uma Ahuja
Professor, Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Kaul – 136021
📧 Email: ua5419@yahoo.co.uk