Kamlesh K Yadav

As a team leader, I am actively involved in driving innovation and the development of various products. • Lead the design and implementation of advanced in-house facilities for mass production of insect-based (BSF) products, ensuring scalability and sustainability. • Oversee the development of innovative agricultural products (biofertilizers, bio-stimulants, soil conditioners, biocontrol agents) for basal and foliar applications, enhancing crop yields and plant immunity. • Isolation and screening potential microbes for biofertilizers and biocontrol agents, assessing their efficacy in laboratory and field trials. • Optimization of the extraction process and screening of bio-compounds (such as chitin and chitosan) for the effective control of microbial pathogens and insect/pests. • Plan and execute pilot and large-scale field trials with farmers and industry partners, evaluating product performance in real-world conditions. • Collaborating with B2B partners and farmers for product trials, bioefficacy analysis, dosage finalization, and design application protocols and schedules that meet specific crop requirements. • Conduct research to enhance animal feed formulations for fish, shrimp, dogs, cats, and poultry using Black Soldier Fly larvae, addressing their specific nutritional needs. • Led the isolation, screening, and evaluation of microbes for fermentation processes, contributing to enhanced product quality and consistency. • Support regulatory compliance and facilitate the registration process with government bodies (FCO, CIB etc.). • Build and maintain relationships with farmers, industry partners, and government authorities.

As the former Head of R&D, I led teams focused on developing bio-stimulants based on German technology. • Planning and managing trials for crops such as wheat, chili, maize, okra, and cauliflower, from sowing to harvest, to assess the impact of bio-stimulants. • Investigating soil microbial changes throughout crop growth and post-harvest to evaluate the effects of bio-stimulants on soil health. • Analyzing the effectiveness on disease resistance, pest management, plant growth, and crop yield. • Assisting with the registration and compliance of bio-stimulant products in accordance with government regulations. • Building and maintaining relationships with farmers, stakeholders, and government authorities to facilitate product adoption and collaboration.

Led the R&D team in the design, development, testing, validation, and commercialization of products, in collaboration with the marketing team: • Designed and developed innovative, chemical-free solutions for the sustainable management of vectors and vector-borne diseases. • Created novel approaches for managing domestic pests (mosquitoes, houseflies, cockroaches, moth fly), as well as agricultural pests. • Applied advanced techniques for the effective management of agricultural pests. • Utilized sensor-based technology (IoT) to monitor infestation levels and effectively controlled populations of cockroaches and rodents using glue-based methods. • Conducted indoor and outdoor testing to validate the efficacy of developed products in pest management. • Designed air purifiers and evaluated their effectiveness against pathogens such as E. coli, Staphylococcus, Candida, and the SARS virus.

• Genetically engineered (Friendly™) mosquito-based technology for eco-friendly and sustainable control of Aedes mosquito populations. • Analyze the quality of genetically modified mosquitoes using PCR, fluorescence microscopy, and lethal dose testing. • Manage the cost-effective mass production of Black Soldier Flies for high-protein poultry and fish feed. • Plan and execute innovative methods to improve sericulture practices. • Create an online platform for technical guidelines and training in hygienic maintenance, disease prevention, and crop improvement.

Taught B.Tech., M.Sc., B.Sc. Biotechnology and Microbiology students.

Involvement in multiple projects of Defence Research Laboratory (DRDO), Tezpur, Assam. Projects: i. Study of Midgut Microbiota for Mosquito and Mosquito-Borne Disease Management: • Conducted molecular analyses, including 16S rRNA sequencing, DNA fingerprinting (RFLP), MALDI-TOF, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to identify and characterize microbial communities in mosquito midguts. • Assessed the effectiveness of midgut bacteria in controlling mosquito larvae and pupae. • Involved in paratransgenesis techniques development using midgut bacteria to manage mosquito vectors and the diseases they transmit. • Evaluated the effects of bacteria and their metabolites on the growth and development of different mosquito life stages. ii. Detection and Management of Plant Fungal Pathogens: • Developed and optimized PCR-RAPD-SCAR-based diagnostic methods for the quick detection of fungal pathogens in plants. • Assessed the efficacy of Trichoderma viride as a potential bio-fungicide for controlling fungal diseases in plants. iii. Soil Microbial Community Analysis: • Analyzed soil microbial communities to enhance soil health and improve crop productivity by understanding microbial dynamics and their impact on soil fertility. iv. Bacterial Consortium Development for Bio-Toilets: • Isolated and screened bacteria from insect guts to create a bacterial consortium for efficient degradation of human feces in bio-toilets.

DRL-DRDO sponsored project: Screening and isolation of bio-active compounds from medicinal plants traditionally used against malaria in Arunachal Pradesh a) Analyzed the plant extract for anti-malarial, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.

Study of midgut microbiota of mosquito for vector & vector borne disease management