Dr. M. V. Nagesh Kumar is Director (Seeds) and Professor of Genetics and Plant Breeding at Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. He obtained his M.Sc. (Ag) and Ph.D. in Genetics and Plant Breeding and has over 25 years of experience in teaching, research, administration, and extension. He has served in key leadership positions including Principal Scientist (Maize/Millets; Oilseeds/Millets) and Head, Maize Research Centre, prior to assuming charge as Director (Seeds). 

He has played a key role in the development and release of 15 crop varieties across maize, sorghum, redgram, finger millet, and pearl millet, contributing substantially to varietal diversification and productivity enhancement in Telangana and beyond. His research leadership includes managing externally funded projects worth ₹380.37 lakhs from national and international agencies.

Dr. Nagesh Kumar has published 70 research papers, with 48 as first/second/corresponding author, including 15 publications in journals with NAAS rating above 7.0. His work is widely cited in high-impact national and international journals.

As Director (Seeds), he has strengthened the university seed system through large-scale production of over 5,242 quintals of quality seed, initiation of PJTAU’s first Seed Mela, establishment of seed hubs, and successful commercialization of maize hybrids, generating significant revenue for the university.

He is a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Prof. Nagaraja Rao Gold Medal, Janna Reddy Venkat Reddy Prize, ICAR Highest External Funding Award, and Best Research Centre Award (ICAR). 

Dr. Nagesh Kumar is a Fellow of several prestigious professional societies, including the 

1. Indian Society of Oilseeds Research, 
2. Indian Society of Millets Research, 
3. Maize Technologists Association of India 
4. InterDrought-IV (CGIAR)