He’s known as “The Bug Doctor,” but Dr. Ayanava Majumdar is more than an entomologist ­— he’s an expert at helping people, particularly farmers. His work as the leader of Vegetable Integrated Pest Management research earned him respect across the state and, most recently, the Alfa Award For Production Agriculture & Forestry Extension that included $5,000 for program support.

Majumdar received the award at the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Commodity Producers Conference in Chattanooga Aug. 1. He was nominated by Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) President Taylor Hatchett of Chilton County.

“Dr. Majumdar was the team leader for Commercial Horticulture Extension Programs for the past seven years, during which the industry gained much ground, and educational programs reached thousands of family farms,” Hatchett said. “He and his Extension team are critical to the industry’s success. He’s published numerous papers and Extension articles on conventional insecticides, trap crops, pest exclusion and organic insecticides. I frequently refer to his publications and videos, and his e-newsletter keeps us informed about insect pest outbreaks.”

Majumdar supports Alabama’s horticulture industry as the principal academic adviser to the AFVGA board of directors, which honored him with the Service To Horticulture Award in 2017.

“Because of his involvement, the AFVGA is stronger, and he encourages collaboration with other groups, including the Alabama Farmers Federation,” Hatchett said.

Most recently, Majumdar organized the Alabama Beginning Farmer Program — a statewide effort to support new farmers with emphasis on military veterans and underserved communities. 

“Overall, the service provided by Dr. Majumdar and the Extension team saved $506,000 in consultancy fees through grants that otherwise would have put a burden on small family farms,” Hatchett said.

Majumdar said he was grateful to receive the award and described his last 10 years as an amazing journey.

“I’m so proud of the team we have at Extension and the work we are doing together to support the industry,” Majumdar said. “I hope the momentum continues.”

Majumdar, a native of India, lives in Auburn with his two children. He received his bachelor’s degree in agriculture and animal husbandry from the G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Uttaranchal, India. He obtained a master’s degree in agricultural entomology from the Panjabrao Agricultural University in Maharashtra, India, and a doctorate in entomology from North Dakota State University in Fargo.