Dr Devina Vaidya takes charge as Director Research at Nauni varsity

Dr Devina Vaidya, an expert in postharvest technology, has taken the charge as Director Research at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, following the superannuation of the incumbent official.

With over 37 years of experience in teaching, research, administration and extension, she previously served as Dean of the College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, as well as Associate Director at the Regional Horticulture Research Station, Bajaura, and Head of the Department of Food Science and Technology at the main campus. She joined the university in 1989.

Dr Vaidya has handled 11 major research projects funded by various agencies. Her work spans postharvest management of fruits, vegetables and mushrooms; development of skill infrastructure and agri-entrepreneurship; and studies on food safety, postharvest losses and indigenous processing technologies.

She also holds several patents in food technology and functional product development, including innovations in herbal formulations, juice preservation and healthy snack development. She has promoted commercially scalable technologies and strengthened industry linkages.

Dr Vaidya has guided numerous postgraduate, PhD and diploma students in postharvest technology and food science and has published extensively in reputed national and international journals. Her achievements have been recognised with multiple honours, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from AEDS, the ICAR Dr Rajendra Prasad Puraskar for Best Technical Book in Hindi and the Uma Dutt Mamgain Best Thesis Award (as Guide).

Upon assuming her duties as Director Research, Dr Vaidya outlined her priorities and said she was committed to strengthening the university’s research ecosystem, advancing innovations in horticulture and forestry and promoting impactful technologies for the benefit of farmers and the wider community.