GREEN INNOVATIONS: MODERNIZING VEGETABLE CULTIVATION

Mr. Tanhaji Shivaji Kale is an accomplished agricultural professional with a focus on horticulture, specializing in vegetable science. He completed his B.Sc. (Agriculture) from the College of Agriculture, Nagpur, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV), Akola in 2016, and went on to obtain his Master’s degree in Horticulture, specializing in Vegetable Science, from Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani in 2019. Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. (SRF) in Vegetable Science at the Post Graduate Institute, PDKV, Akola. Mr. Kale has been awarded the prestigious Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Research & Training Institute Nagpur (MAHAJYOTI-2021) fellowship. He holds life memberships in several notable agricultural organizations, including the Indian Society of Vegetable Science, Agricultural Doctorate Association, and Just Agriculture. Over the years, he has received multiple awards in seminars and conferences. His academic contributions include the publication of two research papers, two book chapters, and one popular article.

Mr. Dokka Vara Vinod

Mr. Dokka Vara Vinod is a dedicated and accomplished horticulturist with a strong academic background and research focus. He completed his B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture from Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Venkataramannagudem, Andhra Pradesh, which laid the foundation for his expertise in the field. He then pursued a Master’s in Horticulture from Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, specializing in Vegetable Science. Currently, Mr. Vinod is undertaking a Ph.D. in Vegetable Science from Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University. His research focuses on two significant crops: orange-fleshed sweet potato and Dioscorea species, both of which hold great promise for enhancing nutritional security and contributing to sustainable agriculture. This research exemplifies his commitment to addressing critical issues in horticultural science, particularly in relation to underutilized and nutritionally valuable crops. Mr. Vinod has also been the recipient of ICAR-JRF scholarship during his postgraduate studies, recognizing his academic excellence and potential. He has further demonstrated his scholarly aptitude by qualifying for the ASRB-NET in Vegetable Science, a notable achievement in the field. In addition to his academic pursuits, Mr. Vinod has actively engaged in various trainings, seminars, and conferences, contributing to his continuous professional development and networking within the horticultural community. His contributions to the academic literature are impressive, with 6 book chapters, 2 review papers, 2 research papers, and 3 popular articles published in respected national and international journals. These publications reflect his expertise and commitment to advancing knowledge in vegetable science and horticulture.

Dr. Dipak Kumar Murmu

Dr. Dipak Kumar Murmu is serving as an Assistant Professor in Regional research Station (Old Alluvial Zone). He is actively engaged in teaching, Research and extension. He obtained his B.SC (Hort.), M.SC. (Hort.), Ph. D in Horticulture degrees in the year 2005, 2007 and 2011 respectively from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohan Pur, Nadia. He is Specialist in Spices and Plantation Crops. He has published one book, 2 book chapters, 2 popular articles, 15 Research Paper in different reputed National and International Journal. He has participated 8 National 5 International level conferences. Recently he has received Young Scientist award in vegetable science from Agro-Environmental Development Society in Ajhraghat, Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, India. He is life member of 5 different Scientific Society.

Dr. Prerna Baraily

Dr. Prerna Baraily is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pomology and Post Harvest Technology at Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidhyalaya, College of Agriculture (Extended Campus), Majhian, Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal. She earned her Ph.D. from Viswa Bharati, Santiniketan, and her Master’s degree from Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan. Dr. Baraily has published numerous research articles, popular articles, and review papers. She has been honored with awards such as Women Scientist, Young Scientist, and Best Paper Awards. With 9 years of experience, her expertise spans fruit science, vegetables, post-harvest handling, value addition, and edible coatings.

Dr. M. Chandra Surya Rao

Dr. M. Chandra Surya Rao, a dedicated horticulturist with a Ph.D. in Horticulture specializing in Plantation, Spices, Medicinal, and Aromatic Crops from Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh, is currently an Assistant Professor at Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology, and Research, Guntur, A.P. His research focuses on irrigation management in oil palm, postharvest management, and the value addition of palmyra, promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Previously, Dr. Rao served as an Assistant Professor at M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, CUTM, Odisha, where he taught key courses in vegetable and fruit production, postharvest management, and protected cultivation. He has mentored three M.Sc. students, guiding their research in horticulture. His achievements include the Best Researcher Award (2020), Outstanding/Best Thesis Award (2021), and the KALP-Young Horticulturist Award (2021). He has also secured two patents for his research. With a robust publication record of four book chapters, 14 research articles, and five popular articles, Dr. Rao continues to contribute significantly to horticultural science.

Dr. D.V. Swami

Dr. D.V. Swami, a distinguished horticulturist, currently serves as Principal Scientist (Horticulture) and Controller of Examinations at Dr. YSR Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh. He holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Horticulture from the former APHU and a Ph.D. from Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh. Dr. Swami has made significant contributions to research and extension services in tribal areas of the state. He began his career as a Horticultural Officer with the Integrated Tribal Development Agency, Seethampeta, where he spent five years working on tribal horticultural development. Over his career, he has held various roles in horticultural extension, teaching, and research, including serving as a faculty board member, Placement Cell Officer, N.S.S. Officer, and Nodal Officer for the Government of A.P. and Dr. YSRHU. Dr. Swami has also chaired multiple committees and led numerous student initiatives. His research focuses on developing and standardizing value-added technologies for fruits and vegetables. He has served as Principal Investigator for ICAR’s SC-Sub Plan project on postharvest technology training for SC women and evaluated cashew and mango rejuvenation programs. Dr. Swami has authored 38 research articles, 60 popular articles, 10 books, and 4 book chapters. He has guided 15 P.G. and 4 Ph.D. scholars as Chair, and 14 P.G. and 6 Ph.D. scholars as a committee member. He is a recipient of the Best Horticulturist and Best Horticultural Officer awards for his work in tribal rehabilitation and the Distinguished Horticultural Scientist award (2021). His research has led to three granted patents.