V.L. Chopra

Prof. V.L. Chopra is currently a Member of the Planning Commission of Government of India, an apex body that prepares strategic national plans and allocates budget for both Central and State government projects. He is an eminent scientist, teacher, and science administrator, who has served the Government of India as in various capacities including Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE) and Director-General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). He pioneered the application of biotechnology in Indian agriculture. He is a Fellow of various scientific academies, including the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), and the Third World Academy of Sciences. He has been awarded the prestigious ‘Padma Bhushan’ by the Government of India for his outstanding contributions to science and agriculture.