Faridabad, September 26, 2025: Professor Dr.NidhiDidwania, Director of the Manav Rachna Centre for Medicinal Plant Pathology (MRCMPP), Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology, ManavRachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS), has been honoured with the Excellence in Teaching Award at the 10th Asian PGPR Society India Chapter National Conference on “Fostering PGPRs for Secondary Green Revolution towards Soil and Crop Health Management.”
The award recognises Dr. Didwania’s exemplary contributions to higher education, where she has consistently combined teaching, research, and student mentorship with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.An eminent Plant Pathologist with a Ph.D. in Botany (Plant Pathology) and more than 18 years of experience, Dr. Didwania has pioneered interdisciplinary teaching methods that integrate biotechnology, medicinal plants, AI, sensors,crop protection, and sustainability.
She has mentored numerous UG/PG projects, including the award-winning student start-up MedPlant Care, and spearheaded the creation of theEden of Elixirs Medicinal Garden with 132+ species, offering a unique platform for ex-situ conservation, experimental learning, and community outreach.
Speaking on the recognition, Dr. (Prof.) Sanjay Srivastava, Vice Chancellor, MRIIRS, said, “Dr. NidhiDidwania exemplifies how teaching, research, and innovation can come together to create meaningful change. Her work in sustainable crop protection and biocontrols has advanced scientific understanding while also inspiring the next generation of scholars and entrepreneurs. This recognition celebrates her role as a true academic leader who is shaping both knowledge and practice for a better future.”
Dr. Didwania’s achievements extend beyond the classroom. She is the Co-founder of TrichoAgronica Pvt. Ltd., an Indian Oil-supported start-up developing eco-friendly biopesticides and sustainable crop protection solutions. Her research has led to patented biocontrol formulations such as Bioelixir and Tomatolixir, created in collaboration with industry partners. In 2025as a winner shesecured ₹50 lakh in funding at the C-CAMP National Bio-Entrepreneurship Competition (NBEC) and investment from Social Alpha, where MRIIRS was the only private university to feature among the top 20 finalists nationwide.Internationally, she has contributed to academic exchange as a Visiting Lecturer at Lahti University of Applied Sciences, Finland, while nationally, she has supported policy-level initiatives through expert roles on committees such as QCI, CAQM and SUVAS.
Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Didwania said, “This award reaffirms my belief that impactful education is built on collaboration between students, researchers, industry partners, and the farming community. Every step in my journey has been about turning scientific ideas into practical solutions that promote sustainability and empower people. The recognition further strengthens my resolve to keep creating pathways where innovation in the lab transforms into meaningful change on the ground.”
Dr. Didwania has published 32 research papers, 8 book chapters, and 2 edited books, while mentoring numerous Ph.D., M.Tech, and M.Sc. scholars. Under her leadership, MRCMPP has grown into a centre for applied research, innovation, and farmer outreach, promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture.
Over the years, she has also been recognised with other prestigious awards, including the National Teachers Award (AICTE, Top 75 Finalist), KarmsuKaushlam Award (2023), She Maps Award (2024), and the Entrepreneur Award (2020). With this latest recognition, Dr. Didwania continues to advance both the academic reputation of MRIIRS and the wider cause of sustainable farming.
Corporate Comm India (CCI Newswire)
