Dr. Abhay Ekbote

Dr. Abhay Ekbote is a renowned expert in pesticide management, laboratory establishment, and regulatory compliance, boasting nearly four decades of extensive experience in testing, research, academics, and the industrial sector. His career is marked by significant contributions, particularly as the former Director of Pesticide Management at the National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM) in Hyderabad, under the Government of India. In this role, Dr. Ekbote was instrumental in establishing a state-of-the-art laboratory at NIPHM, equipped with advanced instruments to meet contemporary regulatory requirements. His expertise extends across various capacities in both government and private sectors, where he has focused on teaching, research, extension, and analysis.

A prolific researcher and active member of numerous technical expert groups, Dr. Ekbote has published several articles in prestigious international journals. He is involved with AOAC, BIS sectional committee, Technical Division for Reference Material (TDRM), and Laboratory Management (TDLM) at AOAC International, contributing to the advancement of standards and practices in laboratory testing and regulatory compliance. Dr. Ekbote’s extensive experience includes assessing laboratories according to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for NABL, establishing proficiency testing providers per ISO 17043, and expertise in reference material production as per ISO 17034. His specialization in setting up and strengthening laboratories for pesticide formulation, residue testing, seed testing, fertilizer testing, and food testing is well recognized, making him a sought-after trainer and consultant in national and international forums.

Key Contributions and Roles:

• Former Director (Pesticide Management) at the National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM), Hyderabad, Government of India. Dr. Ekbote played a pivotal role in establishing a state-of-the-art laboratory at NIPHM, equipped with sophisticated instruments to meet current regulatory requirements.
• Government and Private Sector Experience: He has served in various capacities in state and central government organizations, as well as private institutions, focusing on teaching, research, extension, and analysis.
• Proficiency Testing Provider: Dr. Ekbote established the country’s first Proficiency Testing Provider in a government organization, particularly in pesticide formulations and pesticide residues analysis.
• National Food Laboratory, Ghaziabad: Made significant contributions to establishing this laboratory under the PPP model.

Publications and Memberships:

• Research Publications: Dr. Ekbote has published several research articles in prestigious international journals.
• Technical Expert Groups: He is a member of various technical expert groups, including AOAC, BIS sectional committee, Technical Division for Reference Material (TDRM), and Laboratory Management (TDLM) at AOAC International.

Certifications and Expertise:

• ISO Standards: Extensive experience in assessing laboratories as per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for NABL.
• Proficiency Testing Provider: Expertise for establishment and implementation of Proficiency Testing provider as per ISO 17043 and has also assessed PT providers for NABL as Technical Expert.
• Reference Material Producer: Expertise in Reference Material Producer as per ISO 17034.
• Additional ISO Training: Trained in ISO 17020 and ISO 17021.
  Laboratory Establishment: Specializes in setting up and strengthening pesticide formulation laboratories, residue testing laboratories, seed testing laboratories, fertilizer testing laboratories, and food testing laboratories.

Training and Consultancy:

• Expert Trainer: Dr. Ekbote is a renowned trainer with extensive experience in National and International forums, focusing on laboratory and regulatory requirements.
• Consultancy Services: He provides expert consultancy services to numerous government and private institutions.