Vegetable Science

Dr. Yogesh Kumar Sharma, born on 26 January 1970, is a distinguished horticulturist and academician presently serving as Assistant Professor (Horticulture) at the Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (RARI), Durgapura, Jaipur, under Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University (SKNAU), Jobner. With more than 28 years of experience in research, teaching, and extension, he has made significant contributions to Vegetable Science in Rajasthan. An alumnus of SKN College of Agriculture, he completed his graduation in 1992 and earned his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Horticulture with specialization in Vegetable Science. Since 1997, he has been actively associated with the All India Coordinated Research Project on Vegetable Crops, contributing to region-specific research and sustainable vegetable production. He played a key role in the development and release of three onion varieties—RO-1 (2004), RO-59 (2005), and RO-252 (2011)—which have enhanced productivity and farmer income in Rajasthan, and 23 of his research recommendations have been incorporated into the state’s official Package of Practices. A prolific writer, he has published over 30 research papers, authored more than 150 popular articles, written five books including Postharvest Handling of Horticultural Crops, and edited special issues of agricultural publications, including one released at Rashtrapati Bhavan by Pratibha Devi Singh Patil. Through over 90 radio and television talks broadcast on All India Radio and Doordarshan, Jaipur, he has effectively disseminated scientific knowledge to farmers. Combining research excellence with grassroots outreach, Dr. Sharma continues to strengthen sustainable horticultural development and farmer welfare in Rajasthan.