Candidate

------------------------------
First Name: Manoj Bijagare
E-Mail Address: bijagaremanoj@yahoo.com
Country: India
Phone: 09049105450
Current Job Designation: Principal Scientist
Job Designation Applying For: Agriculture, Administration, Management
Total Years of Experience: 33
Copy your Resume / CV in this box: Seed industry professional with over 35 years of experience, including 30 years in Research & Development,
working with reputed organizations such as SEMILLAS Seeds LLP Pune, KRISHIDHAN Seeds Jalna, Basant
AgroTech Akola, and Maharashtra State Seeds Corporation (MAHABEEJ) Akola. Extensive expertise in Plant
breeding of cereal and oilseed crops, including Maize, Pearl Millet, Sunflower, and Sorghum. Held senior
leadership roles such as Lead Scientist (R&D), Principal Scientist – Cereal Crops, Senior Breeder (Pearl Millet &
Sunflower), and Mentor for designing breeding programs for specialty crops including Cotton, Soybean, Wheat,
and Mustard. Core strengths include hybrid development and parental line development in grain and fodder Pearl
Millet, grain maize, specialty corn (sweet corn), and grain and fodder sorghum. Successfully delivered multiple
commercial hybrids across pearl millet, sunflower, maize, fodder bajra, and fodder sorghum. Proven experience in
CMS line development in Pearl millet and Sorghum for hybrid breeding, seed production and seed quality
assurance, and product promotion in collaboration with marketing teams. Actively supported regulatory and
licensing processes for product registration across multiple states. Recognized as a collaborative team leader
with a strong commercial mindset, innovative approach, and future-oriented vision for product development.
Known for integrity, dedication, and problem-solving ability, with a consistent track record of delivering meaningful
and practical outcomes.
Experience
Semillas Seeds LLP, PUNE
Lead Scientist - Research & Development (Field Crops)
Leading the establishment and operationalization of the R&D unit, including infrastructure planning, trial
management systems, and research workflows for field crops.
Driving the development, acquisition, and improvement of germplasm across multiple field crops aligned
with company product strategy.
Designing and executing breeding programs for development of new parental lines and hybrids, with a
strong focus on yield, adaptability, and market demand.
Providing strategic leadership in product design, research prioritization, and pipeline management to
ensure timely delivery of commercially viable hybrids.
Overseeing multi-location trials, data analysis, and advancement decisions for pre-commercial and
commercial products.
Coordinating product registration, licensing, and regulatory compliance across multiple states in close
collaboration with regulatory and marketing teams.
Leading recruitment, training, and mentoring of junior scientists and technical staff to build a high-
performing R&D team.
Responsible for R&D budgeting, annual planning, resource allocation, and cost optimization to meet
organizational objectives.
Supporting product promotion and market launches by providing technical inputs, product positioning,
and field demonstrations to the marketing and sales teams.
Fostering a collaborative, innovation-driven research culture with strong alignment between R&D,
production, regulatory, and marketing functions.
Krishidhan Seeds Pvt. Ltd.,Jalna
Senior Breeder - Pearl Millet
Provided strategic leadership for Cereal crop breeding programs covering Pearl millet, maize, and
Sorghum, from early-stage germplasm development to commercial hybrid release.
Designed and guided core breeding strategies for product development in Cotton, Mustard, Soybean,
Pulses, supporting cross-functional crop teams.
Led the development and improvement of germplasm in pearl millet, maize, and sorghum, creating robust
genetic pipelines aligned with market needs.
Planned and executed need-based, multi-season and multi-segment hybrid breeding programs, targeting
diverse cropping systems with enhanced tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Developed and improved parental lines (A, B, and R lines) through structured crossing programs;
successfully converted 18 B lines to A1 cytoplasm and 127 B lines to A4 cytoplasm for hybrid utilization.
Developed new restorer (R) lines compatible with A4 CMS systems for commercial hybrid development.
Delivered multiple high-yielding pearl millet hybrids across segments and agro-climatic zones, including
dual-purpose (grain and fodder) hybrids.
Pearl millet hybrid 12 KM 11, developed under my leadership, ranked 1st at ICRISAT trials and 3rd in
AICRIP, demonstrating superior performance.
Conducted extensive screening for Downy Mildew tolerance and implemented backcross introgression
programs for Downy Mildew and drought resistance in pearl millet.
Streamlined maize germplasm, developing elite inbred lines for grain maize, sweet corn, and future
specialty corn requirements.
Developed high-performing maize hybrids across maturity groups and climatic zones, including erect
plant types suitable for HDPP (High Density Planting Protocol).
Developed sweet corn hybrids suitable for fresh market and industrial processing with high brix content.
Initiated and expanded fodder bajra and fodder sorghum hybrid programs, contributing to emerging
business segments.
Established targeted sorghum breeding programs for rainy and rabi seasons, including M35-1 grain-type
rabi sorghum and Sudan grass–based fodder hybrids for commercialization.
Developed and utilized CMS and restorer systems in pearl millet and sorghum to accelerate hybrid
development.
Generated new genetic variability in pearl millet and maize through systematic breeding approaches.
Planned, organized, and supervised multi-location trials, demonstrations, and farmer field evaluations;
ensured timely data analysis, reporting, and advancement decisions.
Designed fast-track breeding strategies to improve cycle efficiency and ensure systematic hybrid
advancement.
Coordinated product development trials at farmers' fields, facilitating informed decisions on product
portfolio expansion.
Led Elite, foundation, and hybrid seed production programs, ensuring high genetic purity and adherence
to quality standards.
Provided technical guidance to the Quality Control team, including evaluation and clearance of field test
results.
Actively supported sales and marketing teams through product promotion, technical training, and
resolution of farmer-level issues.
Managed R&D seed inventory, processing, trial kit preparation, and logistics across multi-season, multi-
location trials nationwide.
Headed the Genetic Resource Unit (GRU), systematically cataloging, documenting, and conserving
germplasm across crops.
Maintained strong collaborations with national research institutes and State Agricultural Universities for
scientific exchange and technology benchmarking.
Prepared, monitored, and controlled R&D budgets, implementing cost-saving measures while maintaining
research effectiveness.
Ensured robust data management systems for breeding trials, hybrid seed increase programs, and
decision-support tools.
Basant Agro Tech, Akola
Senior Breeder - Pearl Millet & Sunflower
Led breeding programs in pearl millet and sunflower, focusing on the development of competitive hybrids
and strong parental lines.
Designed and executed new crosses within defined heterotic pools to generate diverse and elite breeding
material for line development.
Initiated and structured the line development programs in both pearl millet and sunflower, establishing a
foundation for long-term hybrid pipelines.
Developed and evaluated high-potential hybrids tailored to different agro-climatic zones and farmer
segments, emphasizing yield stability and adaptability.
Advanced elite inbred lines through systematic selection and managed seed increase of parental lines to
support hybrid development and testing.
Conducted multi-location and multi-season trials for early- and advanced-stage hybrids, including data
collection, analysis, and advancement decisions.
Worked on soybean varietal development, selecting promising lines from segregating populations for
further evaluation.
Collaborated closely with seed production and quality teams to ensure genetic purity and adequate
availability of breeder and foundation seed.
Supported product positioning and pre-commercial evaluations, providing technical inputs for future
product launches.
Maintained accurate breeding records and data documentation to support informed decision-making and
program continuity.
Maharashtra State Seeds Corporation Ltd. (MAHABEEJ)
Plant Breeder - Sunflower & Pearl Millet
Led hybrid breeding programs in pearl millet and sunflower, designing products aligned with farmer
requirements across diverse agro-climatic zones and market segments.
Developed and strengthened sunflower breeding pipelines to address early-, medium-, and late-maturity
segments, ensuring wide adaptability and staggered harvest options for farmers.
Created and utilized Cytoplasmic Genetic Male Sterility (CMS) and restorer lines to support efficient and
scalable hybrid development programs.
Successfully developed and commercialized key hybrids, including Hybrid Sunflower MAHABEEJ-933 and
BHASKAR; MAHABEEJ-933 was officially released by the Government of Maharashtra for state-wide
cultivation.
Developed and commercialized Pearl Millet Hybrid 'MANIK', contributing to farmer adoption and market
penetration.
Provided technical support in the development of hybrids and varieties in sorghum and cotton,
contributing to multi-crop R&D initiatives.
Maintained, characterized, and improved germplasm collections of pearl millet and sunflower to ensure
genetic purity and long-term breeding value.
Planned and executed multi-location trials and on-farm demonstrations, including protocol design,
monitoring, and coordination.
Conducted systematic screening and evaluation of hybrids, managing data analysis, advancement
decisions, and preparation of comprehensive trial reports.
Managed seed production programs for Nucleus, Breeder, and Stock Seed (NS/BS/SS), ensuring quality
and genetic integrity.
Represented the organization in the ICRISAT Pearl Millet Consortium Program, contributing to germplasm
exchange, technical learning, and collaborative research.
Actively supported the marketing and extension teams through product promotion, farmer interactions,
and technical problem-solving.
Built strong working relationships with research institutes, agricultural universities, and extension
agencies, enhancing knowledge exchange and institutional collaboration.
Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Limited (MAHYCO)
Quality Control Supervisor
Supervised hybrid seed production programs across multiple crops, ensuring high genetic purity and
adherence to company quality standards.
Conducted regular field inspections to verify isolation distances, parental line synchronization, and crop
stand uniformity during seed production.
Provided technical guidance to seed producers on agronomic practices, rouging, detasseling, and crop
management to maximize seed quality and yield.
Monitored critical growth stages and flowering behavior to prevent genetic contamination and production
losses.
Coordinated with seed production, processing, and quality assurance teams to ensure smooth transition
from field production to processing.
Assisted in sampling, field test (FT) evaluations, and documentation, supporting timely lot clearance
decisions.
Maintained detailed field inspection reports and quality records to support traceability and compliance.
Gained hands-on exposure to hybrid seed production systems, laying a strong foundation in seed
technology and quality control practices.
Education
Mahatma Phule Agriculture University,Rahuri, Ahmadnagar
M.Sc. (Agriculture Botany)
80.14
Amravati University
Diploma in Business Management (DBM)
56
Dr. Punjabrao Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola
B.Sc. (Agriculture Science)
71.25
Professional Qualification And Training
Participated in an international training program on Pearl Millet at ICRISAT, Patancheru, India, focusing on advanced breeding and hybrid development.
Regular participant in ICAR Scientists' Annual Group Meetings, contributing to knowledge exchange on national
crop improvement programs.
Attended training on Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights (PPV&FR) Act, organized by the Plant
Authority Unit, Jodhpur.
Nominated as a Member of the National Varietal Release Committee for Sunflower and Pearl Millet in 2000,
2001, and 2009, contributing to national-level varietal evaluation and release decisions.
Key Achievements And Professional Deliverables
Delivered and commercialized a wide portfolio of hybrids across pearl millet, maize, sunflower, sorghum, and
fodder crops during a professional career spanning more than three decades in both public and private seed
sector organizations.
Pearl Millet (Bajra) Hybrids – Commercialized:
12 KM 11 – All India
17 KM 77 – All India
17 KM 837 – North India
17 KM 1228 – North India
MANIK – Commercialized by MSSCL
SANJIVANI-222 – Released and marketed by Basant AgroTech
Maize Hybrids – Commercialized
KDMH 2022 – All India
Developed additional grain maize and specialty corn hybrids that are in advanced stages of commercialization.
Sunflower Hybrids – Released & Commercialized:
MAHABEEJ-933 – Early-maturing, high-yielding hybrid released by the Government of Maharashtra for
cultivation across the state
BHASKAR – Commercialized by MSSCL
Sorghum & Fodder Hybrids – Commercialized:
Fodder Jowar KDSFH-4755 (Red grain) – All India
Fodder Jowar KDSFH-7055 (White grain) – All India
Fodder Bajra KDBFH-418 – Emerging fodder segment
Led and contributed to national-level testing under AICRIP, where 12 sunflower hybrids and 5 pearl millet hybrids
were evaluated across multiple locations in India.
Pearl Millet hybrid 12 KM 11, developed under my leadership, ranked 1st in ICRISAT trials (Kharif 2013) and 3rd
in AICRIP trials (Kharif 2013 & 2014); it successfully completed three years of national testing before
commercialization.
Skills
Managerial Skills
Proven ability to take on challenging projects and deliver results using a rational, solution-oriented
approach.
Collaborative team player, actively involved across functions to plan, monitor, and execute tasks
efficiently.
Experienced in leading teams, mentoring staff, and fostering a performance-driven work environment.
Played a key role in planning, execution, and review of company strategies as a core member of cross-
functional teams.
Professional Skills
Expertise in development of parental lines, field breeding program design, and product design for major field
crops.
Strong understanding of market requirements, business territories, and crop-specific product suitability.
Proven ability to conceptualize and develop new products aligned with future market needs.
Extensive experience in hybrid development, seed production, and varietal improvement.
------------------------------