About Dr. Virender Singh Lather

Dr. Virender Singh Lather is a former Principal Scientist in Genetics and Cytogenetics with a distinguished career spanning 38 years in agricultural research and teaching. He served at ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, also known as PUSA Institute, and Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar.

Background

He graduated in Agricultural Sciences and completed his postgraduate studies in Genetics and Cytogenetics from Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. He later earned his doctorate in Genetics and Plant Breeding from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Lather has mentored hundreds of students, many of whom now hold senior positions in ICAR institutions, State Agricultural Universities, and public services, including the Indian Administrative Service.

Dr. Lather has made significant contributions to crop improvement and sustainable agriculture. He played an important role in the development of “Haryana Chana-5,” recognized as the world’s first machine-harvestable, erect and tall gram variety. The variety earned national recognition and remained an important national check variety in ICAR evaluation trials for nearly two decades.

He has also contributed to the development and promotion of groundwater-conserving Direct Seeded Rice technology, popularly associated with “Tar Vattar DSR.” This eco-friendly approach to direct-seeded rice supports weed control and water conservation, and has received appreciation nationally as well as from the International Rice Research Institute.

After retiring in 2017 from ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute as Principal Scientist, Dr. Lather has continued his work as a “Farmers’ Scientist.” He actively promotes groundwater-conserving DSR technology and environmentally responsible paddy stubble management through field demonstrations, collaborations with agriculture departments, public seminars, media discussions, and articles in national newspapers and magazines.