Nauni varsity scientist honoured with Best Olericulturist award

Dr Dharminder Kumar, a scientist at Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (YSPUHF), Nauni, and currently serving as the Senior Scientist and Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Chamba, has been honoured with the Best Olericulturist award in recognition of his significant contributions to the field of vegetable science.

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An olericulturist specialises in horticulture focusing on the production, storage, processing, and marketing of vegetables. The award was presented to Dr Kumar at the International Agriculture Conference on Navigating Unique Trends in Agricultural Research, Innovation, Engineering, Nutrition, and Technology (NUTRIENT-2025), which took place last week. The conference was organised by the Bhai Gurdas Institute of Engineering and Technology, Sangrur, affiliated with IKG Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala, in collaboration with the Agri Meet Foundation Bharat and ICAR New Delhi.

Dr Kumar, who completed his doctorate in Vegetable Science from UHF Nauni, began his career as an Assistant Professor of Vegetable Science at the university’s main campus and later at its Regional Horticultural Research & Training Station in Jachh (Kangra). He currently serves as Senior Scientist and Head at KVK Chamba, where he is actively engaged in breeding okra, summer squash, lettuce, and cauliflower.

Dr Kumar has authored over 30 research papers published in national and international journals, in addition to more than a dozen books, manuals, and book chapters, and over 50 popular articles. He has successfully managed 18 external research projects funded by prominent agencies such as ICAR, MIDH, RAFTAAR, HIMCOSTE, and ATARI, serving both as Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-PI. Furthermore, he has been a guiding faculty member for MSc and PhD students at the university.

The award was celebrated by Prof Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice Chancellor, Director of Extension Education Dr Inder Dev, along with statutory officers and faculty members, who lauded his exceptional efforts in the field of vegetable science.