This award is sponsored by Dr. Ravish Chatrath, ICAR-Scientist Emeritus & Ex Principal Investigator, Crop Improvement, ICAR-IIWBR, Karnal to mark the achievements of his father Dr. J.P. Chatrath, a renowned Professor of Entomology at UHF, Solan
Prof. JP Chatrath is a renowned Entomologist who served the Department of Agriculture, Himachal Pradesh followed by teaching at College of Agriculture at Solan and subsequently at Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishva Vidyalaya, Solan. He then moved to Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry from where he superannuated in April, 1992.
Prof Chatrath was born in 1932 at Amritsar where he completed his schooling. After his Intermediate in Agriculture at BR College, Agra he did his BSc Agriculture and MSc in Agricultural Zoology and Entomology from Govt Agriculture College, Kanpur (Pathaar College) now known as CS Azad University of Agriculture and Technology.
He started his professional career as Plant Protection Assistant at the former Mahusu district in 1955 and was responsible for the plant protection measures being taken in the main apple belt. He established the first Biological Control Laboratory at Horticulture Research Station, Mashobra in Himachal Pradesh. He was later on promoted as Assistant Entomologist, Himachal Pradesh. He was subsequently appointed by UPSC as Assistant Professor Agricultural Zoology & Entomology at the newly established Himachal Agricultural College, Solan in 1963 and then promoted as Associate Professor at the Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry. During this period, he taught BSc, MSc and PhD classes.He was a very popular teacher and had mentored several students who have attained prestigious positions of Vice Chancellors and is still revered by his former students.