Dr. Prashant Sopanrao Telgad
Dr. Prashant Sopanrao Telgad (born 23 May 1984) is an Indian scientist, academician, and social development leader from Maharashtra. He is the Chief Scientist and Director of Ionex Chemical India Pvt. Ltd. and President of Cleanojal Socio Foundation. With over 35 national and international research publications, he is known for his contributions to soil fertility, sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and rural empowerment.
Early Life and Education
Born into a modest rural family in Maharashtra, Dr. Telgad grew up witnessing drought, poor soil fertility, and lack of opportunities, which inspired his mission to blend science with social responsibility.
He completed:
- M.Sc. in Botany (Specialization: Biotechnology)
- M.Phil. in Biotechnology
- Ph.D. in Botany
His academic journey was defined by innovation and the goal of translating laboratory science into real solutions for farmers.
Career and Leadership
Dr. Telgad currently holds multiple leadership positions:
- Chief Scientist & Director – Ionex Chemical India Pvt. Ltd.
- President – Cleanojal Socio Foundation
- Secretary – Jalna District Kabaddi Association
- President – Jalna Rifle Shooting Club
- Secretary – Rajarshi Shahu Agricultural Research & Rural Development Society
- Executive Committee Member – Maharashtra Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Employment Committee
He also serves as an Assistant Professor, admired for connecting classroom learning with practical, field-based solutions.
Research Contributions
Dr. Telgad has authored 35+ research papers on soil fertility, plant nutrition, biotechnology, and rural development.
Landmark Projects
- Soil Salinity & Solutions: Developed remedies using biofertilizers and organic composts.
- Organic Farming Demonstrations: Reduced chemical fertilizer usage by 40–60% while maintaining yields.
- Water Conservation Initiative: Designed watershed models under the motto “One Drop of Water, A Hundred Grains of Food”.
- Community Farmer Engagement: Guided 5,000+ farmers in Jalna, Parbhani, and Beed to adopt sustainable agriculture.
Social and Environmental Work
Through Cleanojal Socio Foundation, he has:
- Conducted hundreds of farmer training programs.
- Promoted eco-friendly farming in drought-prone areas.
- Established over 150 rural water purification plants on a no-profit basis.
His philosophy:
- Providing safe drinking water is not charity—it is responsibility.
Awards and Recognition
- Best Rural Drinking Water Solution Award
- Best Water Management Award
- Gram Ratna Award (State Level)
- Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Ratna Award
- Krushi Jagran & IARI National Award
Sports and Community Engagement
Beyond science, Dr. Telgad is active in promoting sports and youth engagement. As Secretary of Jalna Kabaddi Association and President of Jalna Rifle Shooting Club, he encourages rural youth in indigenous sports and national-level competitions.
Personal Life
Dr. Prashant Telgad is married to Dr. Karuna Telgad. They have one son, Shivendrasinh Prashant Telgad.
Legacy and Vision
Dr. Telgad’s life embodies the fusion of science and compassion. His goals are to:
- Empower farmers through scientific knowledge.
- Build eco-friendly, self-reliant rural communities.
- Inspire youth towards innovation and agripreneurship.