Professor Tej Partap

Prof Tej Partap, the esteemed 98th President of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), is an internationally recognised expert in Mountain Farming, Mountain Agriculture, and Organic Agriculture Development Strategies. A visionary agricultural scientist and policy strategist, Prof Partap has over two decades of leadership experience in academia and international institutions. He has held the position of Vice Chancellor for five terms at prestigious universities, including CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, and APG Shimla University.

Prof Partap's global impact was notably felt during his 12-year tenure at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in Kathmandu, where he led the Mountain Agriculture Program. His work there significantly advanced sustainable agricultural practices across the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. As a pioneer of India's organic agriculture movement, he was instrumental in developing the Vision 2020 for Organic Agriculture and establishing the International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA).

His expertise has also influenced national policies, contributing to key reports for the National Commission on Farmers and the 11th Five-Year Plan. Prof Partap’s international work spans the Andes, Alps, African Highlands, and Asia-Pacific uplands. Noteworthy projects under his leadership include the Tibet Agriculture Sector Capacity Building Program and the introduction of transformative agricultural practices such as China's sea buckthorn cultivation and the Philippines' Sloping Agricultural Land Technology.

Prof Partap's achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including the Himachal Ratan Award and Honorary Professorships from the Tibet Academy of Agriculture and Animal Sciences and the Institute of Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Even after retiring in 2022, Prof Partap has made significant contributions to agricultural education, chairing the 6th ICAR Deans' Committee and redefining agricultural education frameworks as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He remains actively involved as an Honorary Professor and advisor at both Shoolini University and Sri Sri University, where he plays a critical role in guiding strategic growth and development. His vast experience and visionary leadership continue to greatly enhance the academic and research environments at these institutions.