Dr. P. Govindaraj Takes Charge as New Director of ICAR-SBI in Coimbatore

Dr. P. Govindaraj, Principal Scientist, assumes the role of Director at ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute in Coimbatore. He is the first Tamil Nadu native to lead the 112-year-old central government institution.


Coimbatore: Dr. P. Govindaraj, a Principal Scientist, has taken charge as the new Director of the ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute (SBI) in Coimbatore. The institute, operating under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), welcomed its new leader with a warm reception from scientists, technical experts, office staff, and other employees.

Dr. Govindaraj's appointment marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first native of Tamil Nadu to head this prestigious 112-year-old central government institution. The Sugarcane Breeding Institute, headquartered in Tamil Nadu, has been at the forefront of sugarcane research and development for over a century.

With an impressive background in sugarcane research, Dr. Govindaraj brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has been instrumental in developing new sugarcane varieties and has contributed significantly to the field of sugarcane breeding. His expertise extends beyond national boundaries, as evidenced by his 14-month stint as a sugarcane consultant to the government of Fiji.

Dr. Govindaraj's academic excellence is noteworthy. As a former student of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, he distinguished himself by winning the gold medal, showcasing his dedication and prowess in agricultural sciences from an early stage in his career.

As he takes the helm at ICAR-SBI, Dr. Govindaraj is expected to lead the institute in furthering its research initiatives, developing more resilient and productive sugarcane varieties, and contributing to the advancement of sugarcane agriculture in India. His appointment is seen as a boost to the institute's ongoing efforts to enhance sugarcane productivity and support the sugar industry's growth.

Iran Israel US Conflict: Coimbatore – Sharjah, Abu Dhabi Flights Temporarily Cancelled

Amid rising tensions in the Gulf following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Coimbatore–Sharjah and Coimbatore–Abu Dhabi f...

Students, teachers and parents celebrate Checkpoint milestone at Spectrum Northern Lights School, Coimbatore

Spectrum Northern Lights School in Coimbatore celebrated its Primary Checkpoint Examination results, recognising student...

Union MoS Muralidhar Mohol reviews Coimbatore Airport expansion works

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol held discussions with airport officials at Coimbatore Airpor...

Dr S Rajasekaran receives Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Vaidyak-Ratna Award

Ganga Hospital Chairman Dr S Rajasekaran was honoured as the first recipient of the Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Vaidyak...

Union Budget 2026 lays roadmap for manufacturing, MSMEs and skills: CII Southern Region

CII Southern Region said Union Budget 2026–27 provides policy support for manufacturing, MSMEs, agriculture and skills,...

1054 Park Group students set world record in e-waste awareness drive

A total of 1054 students from Park Group of Institutions created a world record in Coimbatore by identifying and categor...