Bonika Pant

Dr. Bonika Pant is a dedicated fisheries science professional with over 8 years of diverse experience in research, teaching, policy consultancy, and international collaboration. Currently serving as a Scientist/Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) at ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gautam Buddh Nagar since July 2022, she plays a vital role in the transfer of fisheries technologies to rural communities, conducting training programs, demonstrations, and capacity-building initiatives for farmers, stakeholders, and extension personnel. Her current role reflects her commitment to sustainable aquaculture and rural development. Prior to her current position, Dr. Pant briefly served as SMS at KVK Maharajganj (May–July 2022), where she worked on region-specific fish farming practices and environmental conservation. From September 2021 to May 2022, she worked as a Senior Consultant at the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India. In this role, she contributed significantly to national-level policy initiatives, program evaluation, and technical reviews aimed at strengthening the fisheries sector under schemes such as PMMSY. Dr. Pant also held an academic role as an Assistant Professor at Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya (Feb 2019–July 2021), where she taught undergraduate and postgraduate students in fisheries science, supervised research projects, and published academic work. She has a passion for science communication, evidenced by her stint as a Radio Jockey at Pantnagar Janvani Yuva, where she disseminated scientific information to the public through engaging audio content. Dr. Pant completed her Ph.D. in Fisheries Resource Management and MFSc in Aquatic Biology/Limnology from the prestigious G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology. Her academic excellence earned her the Vice Chancellor’s Gold Medal and recognition as the Best Graduating Student of the Batch. During her post-graduate years, she served as General Secretary of the University Hostel, showcasing leadership and organizational abilities. She also gained global exposure through a student exchange internship at the Legtpa Louis Pasteur Fish Farming Institute, La Canourgue, France, where she learned advanced European fish farming practices and technologies. Her career is marked by a strong blend of field-level extension work, academic rigor, government consultancy, and international exposure. She actively works on promoting sustainable fisheries, integrated aquaculture, and women’s participation in rural fisheries enterprises.