BK

Balwinder Kumar

Also known as: B Kumar; Kumar B

Punjab Agricultural University

ORCID iD 0000-0002-1558-4104
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About

Dr. Balwinder Kumar is a nationally and internationally recognized Research Scientist and Professor at Lakeland College, Department of Applied Research, School of Agricultural Sciences, Vermilion, Alberta, Canada. With over 20 years of exemplary experience in research, teaching, extension and administration at University, College and Institutes level, Dr. Kumar specializes in sustainable agriculture, focusing on cereal and forage crop production, conservation agriculture, nutrient management, biofortification, and climate-resilient cropping systems. His groundbreaking contributions to conservation agriculture and nutrient management have reshaped modern agricultural practices, particularly in enhancing soil health, mitigating climate challenges, and improving crop productivity.
Dr. Kumar has led and collaborated on over 20 nationally and internationally funded research projects, transforming agricultural landscapes. Notably, his conservation agriculture work on 25,000 acres saved wheat producers $1.5 million and significantly reduced soil degradation and GHG emissions. His pioneering zinc and copper biofortification projects doubled nutrient concentrations in crops and improved yields by 10-25%, with findings published in peer-reviewed articles and presented at international forums. His innovations in forage production, such as the development of the fodder oat variety, boosted green fodder yield by 28%, supporting sustainable livestock systems. His leadership in rehabilitating barren lands through a $810,000 project initiative doubled household incomes and was commended by the World Bank for its success in sustainable agriculture. Dr Kumar has executed works on crops such as wheat, barley, oat, corn, canola, triticale, pulses such as summer moong, cowpeas, peas and forages. Dr. Kumar has presented his research in Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Belgium, Iran, Thailand, India and Turkey.
In Canada, Dr. Kumar is member of Alberta Regional Variety Advisory Committee and leading Regional Variety Trials and conducting industry-led research projects aimed at enhancing the productivity, sustainability, and nutritional value of cereal and forage crops through advanced agronomic practices and innovative technologies. His research is particularly valuable to Prairie producers, helping them develop tailored agronomic strategies that mitigate local challenges such as drought, soil erosion, and nutrient depletion, while improving yield stability and reducing input costs.
A prolific researcher, Dr. Kumar has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles, 15 book chapters, and 110 industry-focused publications. He has served as a reviewer for over 125 articles across more than 30 leading journals, including Elsevier, Springer, Wiley, MDPI and Frontiers, and as an editorial board member for 6 prestigious journals. He has reviewed grant proposals and influenced funding decisions, demonstrating his role as a thought leader in agronomy and sustainable agriculture.
Dr. Kumar’s commitment to knowledge transfer is evident in his extensive outreach, having conducted 80 on-farm trials, 50 frontline demonstrations, 25 field days, and numerous farmer-scientist interactions. He has delivered 50 radio and TV talks, organized 90 conferences and symposia, and chaired or co-chaired multiple sessions at national and international forums, earning over 30 national and international awards for his contributions. His teaching legacy includes developing the Fodder Production and Grassland Management course and authoring five practicum manuals for undergraduate education.
He has mentored over 50 undergraduate interns, supervised MSc and Ph.D. students, and trained more than 15 scientists and 12 research assistants globally. His expertise spans research design, soil and plant analytics, small-plot machinery, and sustainable crop production. At Lakeland College, he continues to lead agronomic research, mentor students, and collaborate with industry to address critical challenges facing Prairie agriculture, making an indelible mark on global food security and agricultural sustainability.
Dr. Kumar exemplifies the ideal of bridging academic research with real-world application, shaping policies and practices that foster resilient, profitable, and sustainable agricultural systems worldwide.

Employment

Employment history is unavailable.

Education

  • Punjab Agricultural University Ph.D.
    2002 - 2005
  • Punjab Agricultural University MS
    1999 - 2001

Projects & Funding

Projects & funding information is unavailable.

Publications (55)