Dr Pratap Naikwade is the secretary of Sahyadri Sankalp Society and Head of the Department of Botany at ASP College, Devrukh. He specializes in sustainable agriculture, climate change, waste management, weed utilization, food preservation and biodiversity conservation.

His post-doctoral research on climate change impacts on carbon sequestration in arid ecosystems was carried out under the prestigious C V Raman Fellowship in the USA. He has also collaborated with Mauritius University and Auburn University, USA, on organic farming and habitat conservation research.

His current projects include: Exploring the potential of invasive weeds such as Chromolaena odorata for organic manure production to enhance soil health and agricultural productivity, Investigating the impact of climate change on carbon sequestration in arid ecosystems (with a focus on sustainable land-use practices), Sustainable agriculture, and Biodiversity & habitat conservation.