The Vice-Chancellor is the academic head and principal executive officer of the University and shall ensure the faithful observance of the provisions of APAU Act and the statutes duly exercising all powers necessary for this purpose. He chairs the Board of Management, Academic Council and Research and Extension Advisory Council of the University and the Finance Committee. The main responsibility of the Vice-Chancellor is to
Provide leadership, academic and administrative to the whole University
Represent the University externally
Secure a financial base sufficient to allow the delivery of the University's mission, aims and objectives
Exercise general control over the University and its affairs and shall be responsible for the due maintenance of discipline in the University
Present the budget and the statement of accounts to the Board of Management
Notable contributions :
Developed and released 41 rice varieties and hybrids, including 11 as the main breeder: MTU1061 (Indra), MTU1064 (Amara), MTU1075 (Pushyami), MTU1121 (Sri Dhruthi), MTU1153 (Chandra), MTU1156 (Tarangini), MTU1224 (Maruteru Samba), MTU1262 (Maruteru Mahsuri), MTU1172 (Ksheera), MTU1239 (Sravani), and MTU RICE 1318. These varieties are now cultivated over 4 million hectares across seven Indian states, providing farmers with an additional 3.05 million tonnes of production and generating ₹6,878 crores in additional profit annually. The cumulative monetary benefit is projected to reach ₹31,637 crores over the years.
Additionally, contributed to the development of 30 significant rice varieties as the second and associate breeder, including MTU1031 (Tolakari), MTU1032 (Godavari), MTU1010 (Cottondora Sannalu), MTU1140 (Bheema), MTU1210 (Sujatha), MTU1155 (Samvruddhi), MTU1172 (Ksheera), MTU1190 (Varam), MTU1223 (Varsha), MCM100 (Panduranga), and others. These varieties are now popular in Andhra Pradesh and other states, covering around 63 lakh acres (2.52 million hectares). This expansion has resulted in an additional production of 1.35 million tonnes and generates ₹2,981 crores in additional profit annually, with a cumulative monetary benefit of ₹36,022 crores over the years.
Associated in development of two rice hybrids viz., APHR1 and APHR2.
Also developed indigenous CMS (Cytoplasmic Male Sterility) lines, including APMS6A, APMS8A, APMS9A, APMS10A, APMS12A, and APMS14A. Notably, APMS6A is widely used by several organizations to develop fine grain medium duration heterotic hybrids, such as DRRH 3.
Developed BM71, a robust donor for plant hopper resistance, which is widely utilized by several national institutions for breeding plant hopper-resistant varieties.
Associated in identification of several useful QTLs (Quantitative Trait Loci) for traits such as non-lodging, shattering, stagnant flooding, anaerobic germination, the introgression of sub 1A into MTU1075 and MTU1061, and the introgression of saltol into MTU1010.
Registered 5 genetic stocks: BM 71 (donor for plant hopper resistance), MTU 1084 (flood-tolerant line), RP 5449-RIL-320 (BPH resistance), and MCM 109 (saline tolerant).
Handled 12 externally funded projects as PI and associated in 14 projects as Co-PI focusing on hybrid rice, biotechnology, and conventional rice breeding, securing a total funding ₹13 crores.
Contributed for large scale production of nucleus, breeder, foundation, and minikit rice seeds.
Led rice research at RARS, Maruteru and organized administrative efforts resulted in the receipt of two prestigious national awards: the Best AICRIP Award for 2012-13, best disciplinr for 2014 and the Golden Jubilee Award for Best Centre by ICAR-IIRR in 2015. Additionally, RARS, Maruteru received the Best RARS Award from ANGRAU for 2014-15.
In the academic realm, guided eight doctoral students and eight postgraduate students in their research.
Administrative experience :
More than 27 years of experience in research and project management
Worked as Principal Scientist Rice (Oct, 2013 to September, 2017 and again September, 2019 to July, 2020)
Principal Scientist & Head, Agricultural Research Station, Ragolu (July, 2020 to June, 2024)
Worked as Associate Director of Research, RARS, Maruteru (November, 2014 to September, 2017 and again October, 2019 to June 2020)
Worked as Director of Research (June 2024 to April 2026)
Vice-Chancellor (23-04-2026 to till date)
Professional recognition :
Life Member in different scientific societies
Served as External Examiner for other Universities
Served as an expert witness on interstate water disputes between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana from 2017 to till date.
Undergone training and exposure visits to CNRRI, China in 2001; World Rice Research Conference, Japan in 2004; IRRI, Manila, Philippines in 2009 and 2011; and Thailand in 2014.
Research publications :
International/National Journals: 91
Conference Abstracts: 106
Authored Books: 4
Book Chapters: 18
Technical bulletins: 36
Popular articles: 75
TV programmes: >158
Radio programs: 29
Awards & Honours :
Received several prestigious awards, including:
Best Scientist award presented by District Collector, Srikakulam 2024
M. S. Swaminathan National Best Scientist Award, 2023
Certificate of Excellence for the development of rice variety MTU 1153 by the Seed Producers Association of Kolkata, 2023
Best Scientist Award by Seeds Men Association, 2021
Recognition for developing MTU 1010 as a landmark variety, 2019
Rythu Mitra Award, 2019
Smt. Edara Subbayamma and Sri Edara Venkata Rao Memorial Gold Medal, 2019
Fellow of Andhra Pradesh Academy of Sciences, 2019 and 2017
Neelakantapuram Kaverappa Gold Medal, 2015
Academy Fellowship Award, 2014
Dr. I.V. Subba Rao Memorial Best Scientist Award, 2012
State Best Scientist Award 2012
Uddaraju Anandaraj Foundation Award, 2011
Crop Research Award, 2004
ANGRAU Meritorious Research scientist award, 2002