Indian bags regulatory post in US agriculture dept

Indian-American scientist Isi Siddiqui has been appointed deputy assistant secretary for marketing and regulatory programmes in the US agriculture department. He replaces Shirley Watkins, who last month was named undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services.

Siddiqui received his bachelor's degree from Uttar Pradesh Agricultural University and his MS and PhD from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.

Assistant Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programmes Michael V Dune, in a statement, said he was exceptionally pleased to welcome a scientist of Isi Siddiqui's calibre to his management team.

''He brings a wealth of experience in combating the introduction of non-indigenous pests and a proven track record of administrative excellence,'' Dune added.

Siddiqui comes to the US agriculture department from the California department of food and agriculture, where he has been director of the division of plant industry since 1984. In that position, he managed state efforts to protect against the introduction, establishment and spread of harmful plant pests and diseases throughout California.