Director Research and Innovation
“Cultivating Science, Nurturing Agriculture”
Dr. P. U. Krishnaraj is a distinguished academician and administrator in agricultural sciences, who served as Vice Chancellor (Acting) at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka. Born on 28-06-1964 in Bangalore, he brings over 37 years of commitment to agricultural education and research. A scholar with B.Sc. (Agri) and M.Sc. (Agri) from UAS Bangalore, Ph.D. from I.A.R.I. New Delhi, and Postdoctoral training in Molecular Microbiology from Alfred University, USA, he combines strong scientific grounding with visionary leadership.
Dr. Krishnaraj has held pivotal roles at UAS Dharwad including Professor & Head of Biotechnology and Agricultural Microbiology, Coordinator of the Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Registrar, Librarian, Dean (Agri), Dean( Community Science), Director of Research and Director of Education. With 35 + years of teaching in Agricultural Microbiology, Biotechnology, and Molecular Biology, he has mentored 44 M.Sc. and 11 Ph.D. students. His leadership in curriculum development and postgraduate training has shaped generations of agricultural scientists.
A prolific researcher, Dr. Krishnaraj has published over 214 research papers, 4 books, and 18 book chapters. His work focuses on bioinoculants, biocontrol, molecular plant-microbe interactions, and nanotechnology. He developed and commercialized Azospirillum bioinoculants, phosphate solubilizing bacteria and fungal isolate PSF 57. He has filed 4 patent applications in nanotechnology and microbial pest management and led major projects including ICAR Niche Area of Excellences and World Bank–ICAR–UASD IDP initiatives.
As co-founder of the Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology and in-charge of the Incubation Centre and DBT-BIRAC University Innovation Centre at UAS Dharwad, he built bridges between lab, industry, and farmers. He has served as Panelist/Expert for DBT-BIRAC, Coordinator of HRD programs, and Member of Expert Groups on Agri Biotechnology for Govt. of Karnataka. His mentorship at the Innovation Centre, Vijayapura has fostered agri-startups and translational research.
Dr. Krishnaraj is a recipient of the IARI Fellowship, BOYSCAST Fellowship from DST, Fellow of the Society of Applied Biotechnology & Society of Biocontrol, and the Outstanding Researcher Award 2023 by Asian PGPR Society. He has earned multiple University Incentive Awards for securing externally funded projects exceeding Rs. 25 crores. He has served on Academic Councils, Boards of Management, and Editorial Boards of reputed journals, contributing to policy and academic governance across India.
Beyond research and administration, Dr. Krishnaraj remains committed to sustainable agriculture through biosafety, biofertilizer commercialization, and farmer outreach. As Secretary of the Institutional Biosafety Committee and Advisor to Advanced Pesticide Testing Laboratories, he ensured ethical and safe biotech practices. With ongoing work in green nanotechnology, microbial consortia, and climate-resilient agriculture, he continues to drive innovation for food security and rural prosperity.
Kaveri University was established as per the Telangana Private Universities (Establishment & Regulation) Act, 2018 under section 3.
