Agri varsity scientist gets national fellowship

Professor Akhilesh Sharma of the Department of Vegetable Science and Floriculture at the Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHPKV) in Palampur was awarded the Fellowship of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS Fellow 2026). The NAAS fellowship is one of the highest recognitions in Indian agricultural science.

Vice-Chancellor Dr Ashok Kumar Panda congratulated Dr Sharma for bringing national honour to the university. He said the fellowship represented an outstanding scientific achievement. Dr Sharma’s remarkable contributions, scientific rigour and commitment to farmer-centric research were highlighted as sources of great pride for the institute. It was further stated that his work served as an inspiration for young researchers and strengthened the university’s position as a

leading centre of agricultural innovation.

Dr Desh Raj Chaudhary, Head, Department of Vegetable Science and Floriculture, extended heartfelt congratulations to Dr Sharma, he said the fellowship added prestige to the department’s research legacy and was a motivating example for faculty and students alike.

Born in Rait village in the district, Dr Sharma has risen from modest beginnings to become one of the country’s leading vegetable science researchers. An alumnus of CSKHPKV, he completed his PhD in 1995 and currently serving as a professor there. He has developed 27 vegetable crop varieties/hybrids, including peas, chilli, cauliflower, fenugreek, parthenocarpic cucumber and asparagus bean. His widely acclaimed garden pea variety ‘Him Palam Matar-1’ has been commercialised through licencing agreements with 11 companies, marking a major success story in public-sector varietal development.

He has also registered two unique trait-specific genetic stocks with the ICAR, developed DUS guidelines for chilli, paprika and bell pepper under protected conditions, and standardised four production technologies included in the Package of Practices for Himachal Pradesh. Dr Sharma has led 16 externally funded projects worth Rs 60 million and has published 160 research papers.