Dr. C. Vanniarajan is a distinguished academician and researcher in Plant Breeding and Genetics, with over three decades of experience in agricultural education, research, and innovation. An alumnus of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), he earned his B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees with distinction. He further enhanced his research expertise through postdoctoral research at Plant Research International, Wageningen, the Netherlands, in 2003. His contributions have been recognised through prestigious honours, including the Dr. M. S. Swaminathan Medal and the Dr. K. Ramiah Medal.
His research contributions extend to crop variety release in cotton, blackgram, barnyard millet, cluster bean, and daincha, as well as the development of TNAU Bio Meemix (2025), a crop booster and biostimulant formulation. He has conducted over 400 field demonstrations to promote small millet cultivation across Tamil Nadu. His international research includes studies on millet salinity tolerance at ICBA, Dubai, and groundnut gene expression with USDA, Texas. He has also led more than ten BRNS-funded mutation-breeding projects involving rice, blackgram, sesame, cluster bean, and horsegram.
As Director of the Trichy Agri Business Incubation Forum, Dr. C. Vanniarajan has advanced agricultural innovation, supported emerging startups, and promoted agribusiness incubation and entrepreneurship. His professional contributions reflect a sustained commitment to crop improvement, scientific research, farmer welfare, and the advancement of agricultural development.
Professional Profile
Career Highlights
A snapshot of professional service, research contributions, student mentorship, and innovation.
Academic Profile
Educational Qualifications
A record of academic achievement, advanced research, and international professional training.
B.Sc. (Agriculture)
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) · 1987
85.8% · GPA 3.79/4.00M.Sc. (Agriculture)
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) · 1989
90% · GPA 4.00/4.00Ph.D.
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) · 1994
90% · GPA 4.00/4.00Postdoctoral Research
Plant Research International, Wageningen, Netherlands · 2003
International Training
NIAS, Japan · 2008
New Mexico State University, USA · 2009
Academic Distinctions
Recipient of five gold medals, including the Dr. M. S. Swaminathan Medal for Ph.D.
Academic & Professional Profile
Awards & Honours
Recognition for leadership, scientific contribution, teaching excellence, and international collaboration.
International Recognition
- Rotary International Award 2025 — Excellence in Youth Empowerment (one of 100 globally)
- DBT Overseas Associateship
- Vienna Travel Grant
- Rotary RID 3000 Best Leader in Agriculture (2025)
- Best Supporter, Rotaract International
National Recognition
- Distinguished Plant Scientist Award, Academy of Plant Sciences (2008)
- Biotechnology Overseas Associateship, DBT (2000–01)
- Crop Research Award, Gaurav Society (1997)
- Best Research Paper Award and Best Book Award
University Medals & Awards
- Dr. M. S. Swaminathan Medal
- Dr. K. Ramiah Medal
- S. R. Ponnuswamy Chettiar Medal
- Karumuthu Thiyagarajar Chettiar Medal
- Best UG Teacher Award, TNAU (2005 and 2006)
International Exposure
Netherlands, USA, Japan, Austria, Czech Republic and UAE (Dubai), supporting research and incubation collaborations.