In a moment of immense pride for Indian agriculture, a recently retired scientist from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has been selected for one of the world's most prestigious honours in agricultural science. Dr. Gulshan Mahajan, an agronomist, has been named the Weed Science Society of America's (WSSA) honorary member for 2026.
A Lifetime of Pioneering Work Recognised
This award is the highest annual distinction given by the WSSA and is bestowed upon just one scientist globally each year. It recognises a lifetime of exceptional contributions to research, teaching, and outreach in the field of weed science. Dr. Mahajan will formally receive the honour on February 9, 2026, at the society's annual meeting in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
Dr. Mahajan's career at PAU, spanning over two decades from 2000 to 2024, was marked by groundbreaking work. He pioneered integrated weed management strategies to combat herbicide-resistant Phalaris minor, a weed that poses a major threat to wheat production across the fertile Indo-Gangetic Plains. His practical approach, which cleverly blended crop competition techniques, strategic herbicide rotation, and accessible farmer tools, saw rapid adoption across Punjab's farmlands.
Transforming Rice Farming and Global Collaboration
His expertise extended beyond wheat. Dr. Mahajan led significant advances in dry direct-seeded rice (DSR) cultivation. He developed comprehensive agronomic and herbicide packages that fundamentally reshaped rice farming practices in northwest India, promoting water conservation and efficiency. Furthermore, he played a key role in recommending 16 high-yielding rice varieties at PAU, directly contributing to enhanced food security and farmer profitability in the region.
Dr. Mahajan's impact is truly global. He spent five years in a fruitful collaboration with Australia's University of Queensland on projects funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation, tailoring weed and crop management strategies for grain systems. He continues this association as an adjunct faculty member, mentoring the next generation of researchers. Adding to his scholarly influence, he serves as an associate editor for Weed Science, the flagship journal of the WSSA, where he helps shape global research standards. His prolific research output boasts an impressive h-index of 41 and over 9,300 citations, ranking him among PAU's most-cited scientists.
A Milestone for Indian Agricultural Science
Reacting to the news, PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal and university officials hailed the award as a significant milestone for Indian agriculture. In a congratulatory statement, they emphasised that Dr. Mahajan's career exemplifies how scientific rigour, direct farmer engagement, and international collaboration can effectively tackle the big challenges in modern farming.
Upon receiving the news, Dr. Gulshan Mahajan humbly dedicated the honour to the collective efforts of his mentors, colleagues, students, and the farming communities he worked with. He stated that the success of sustainable weed management hinges on the powerful union of science, innovation, and practical farmer wisdom.
This global recognition adds to Dr. Mahajan's illustrious list of past honours, which includes fellowships from the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (India), Indian Society of Agronomy, and Indian Society of Weed Science, an IRRI-India research fellowship, an Israeli MASHAV fellowship, and the prestigious ISWS Gold Medal.
