Dr. Opinder Singh Sandhu completed his B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture from Khalsa College, Amritsar in 2010, followed by M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Soil Science from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana in 2013 and 2017, respectively. He began his academic career in 2017 as Assistant Professor at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ropar, and currently serves as a Soil Scientist in PAU’s Department of Soil Science. His research focuses on conservation agriculture, resource conservation technologies and nutrient dynamics with in the soil-plant system. Dr. Sandhu has authored 14 research articles, 5 book chapters, and a training manual, highlighting his active role in research. He has made significant contributions to agricultural extension through 5 bulletins, 31 book chapters, 62 popular articles, and 12 TV/radio talks. Additionally, he has conducted over 1,000 Frontline Demonstrations, 34 method demonstrations, 63 adaptive research trials, and organized/assisted 33 field days, 16 kisan melas, 100 farmer camps, 16 exposure visits, delivered 229 lectures, and participated in 94 exhibitions. He has also played a key role in testing two innovative technologies recommended by PAU for Punjab’s farmers. Beyond research and extension, Dr. Sandhu is actively engaged in teaching and mentorship, currently advising two M.Sc. students and contributing to both undergraduate and postgraduate education at PAU.

Important Publications:

1. O S Sandhu and G S Makkar (2024) Impact assessment of cluster front line demonstrations on Summer moong (Vigna radiata L.) in sub-mountainous region of Punjab, India. Agricultural Research Journal 61 (6) : 949-954. [NAAS Rating 5.44]
2. Opinder Singh Sandhu, Mangi L. Jat, Rajeev Kumar Gupta, Harmeet Singh Thind, Harminder Singh Sidhu  and Yadvinder Singh (2022) Influence of Residue Type and Method of Placement on Dynamics of Decomposition and Nitrogen Release in Maize-Wheat-Mungbean Cropping on Permanent Raised Beds: A Litterbag Study. Sustainability, 14, 864. [NAAS Rating 9.89]
3. G S Dheri, Sat Pal Saini, B S Brar and O S Sandhu (2021) Response of soybean (Glycine max) to different sources and levels of sulphur application. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 91 (8): 1242–6. [NAAS Rating 6.37]
4. Opinder Singh Sandhu, Rajeev Kumar Gupta, Harmeet Singh Thind, Mangi Lal Jat, Yadvinder- Singh & Harminder Singh Sidhu (2020) Evaluation of N fertilization management strategies for increasing crop yields and nitrogen use efficiency in furrow irrigated maize-wheat system under permanent raised bed planting. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science 66: 1302-1310. [NAAS Rating 8.24].
5. O S Sandhu, R K Gupta, H S Thind, M L Jat, H S Sidhu and Yadvinder-Singh (2019) Drip irrigation and nitrogen management for improving crop yields, nitrogen use efficiency and water productivity of maize-wheat system on permanent beds in north-west India. Agricultural Water Management 219: 19-26. [NAAS Rating 12.61].

Ongoing Projects:

1. Research and awareness strategies for utilizing fermented organic manure (FOM) from compressed biogas (CBG) plants for sustainable field crop production: Co-PI

Awards/Honor/Distinctions:

• Young Soil Scientist Award 2023 on 5^th International Conference “Climate Change Impact” June 9-11, 2023 at SKAUST, Srinagar, J&K by Agricultural and Environmental Technology Development Society U.K., India
• Young Scientist Award during the 10^th National Seminar on “Agriculture and More: Beyond 4.O” jointly organized by Society for Community Mobilization for Sustainable Development (MOBILIZATION), New Delhi and SKAUST, Srinagar, J&K from May 26-28, 2022
• Overall Second Best AICRPR center award (Rice Team award) by ICAR during 59^th ARGM Workshop Group Meeting held on April 24-26, 2024 at NAASC, New Delhi.

• Best KVK Award (Team award) to KVK Ropar during annual workshop of KVKs Zone- I during 2020-21
• Appreciation Award (Team award) to KVK Ropar under the Unnat bharat Abhiyan Project

• Doctoral Fellowship by International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Mexico during 2013-2015.
• Appreciation Certificate (First Position) during ICAR sponsored 21 days training programme organized by Maharana Partap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur (Rajasthan), India