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
Prashant Telgad was born in Rajegaon, Taluka Ghansavangi, Jalna District, Maharashtra, to Sopanrao Telgad, a professor, and Sanjeevani Telgad, a social activist and political leader. Influenced by his parents’ dedication to education and community service, he developed an early interest in agricultural science and rural welfare.
He pursued his undergraduate studies at Dr. Badrinarayan Barawale College, completed his postgraduate studies at Deogiri College, and later obtained a Ph.D. in Botany, with research focused on phytohormones and microbial interactions.
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:
- Founder – Rajarshi Shahu Agriculture Research and Rural Development Society (established 2010)
- 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.
Academic and Research Career
Before establishing his own society, Dr. Telgad worked in senior research positions for 12 years, contributing to crop science, biotechnology, and rural sustainability. He has published more than 35 research papers in national and international journals, many of which are cited in agricultural development research globally.
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.
Contributions to Agriculture
In 2010, Dr. Telgad established the Rajarshi Shahu Agriculture Research and Rural Development Society, promoting organic farming, high-yield cultivation, and farmer training. Through this initiative, over 1,200 farmers have benefited directly, collectively generating more than one million units of agricultural output.
His innovations include:
- Water-efficient farming methods to combat scarcity.
- Organic and sustainable farming systems.
- AI-driven agricultural solutions for efficiency.
- Access-to-clean-water models in rural Maharashtra.
His models have been studied by research teams from Cornell University, Yale University, and the University of Michigan, under the guidance of Dr. K. V. Raman, bringing international recognition to his work.
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.