Dr. Pramod Kumar Pandey is working at the College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya, which is part of the Central Agricultural University headquartered in Imphal, Manipur. He was born in the village of Kondari, which is in the Ghazipur District of Uttar Pradesh. He did his undergraduate studies at PG College, Ghazipur, U.P., and obtained his postgraduate degree in Biotechnology from KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. He obtained his Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam. He has authored numerous scholarly research papers, and articles and contributed to various book chapters. He possesses about 10 years of professional and academic expertise in the field of Endophytes. He is currently involved in maize breeding activities and has more than 6 years of experience in the field of maize breeding. He serves as the In-Charge of AICRP on Maize, CAU Brapanai Centre.Dr. Mohd Ashaq is an Associate Professor of Botany in the Higher Education Department of the Jammu and Kashmir Government presently posted at Govt Degree College Thannamandi, J&K, India. He completed his M.Sc., M.Phil., and Ph. D degrees in Botany with a specialization in Plant Virology from Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India in 1992, 1993, and 1997 respectively. Dr. Ashaq served in Eritrea for 8 years between 2000-2008, finally as Director of Research at Eritrea Institute of Technology, Asmara, State of Eritrea (2006-2008). Dr. Ashaq has 6 books, 8 book chapters, 30 Research papers, 17 patents, and over 50 popular articles to his credit. He has edited over 100 issues of magazines and newsletters for various organizations. Several of his publications on Refugees and volunteerism have been translated into French, Portuguese, and Spanish. He is the commissioned member of 5 of 6 IUCN (International Union of Conservation of Nature) commissions at present. He has presented papers and served as a resource person, invited speaker, and keynote speaker in over 150 conferences/seminars/workshops, etc. He has organized dozens of international and national conferences/seminars, workshops, and FDPs. He is a Reviewer/Editorial board member/ fellow of about three dozen national and international peer-reviewed Scopus/web of Science journals and societies besides 15 development organizations.Dr. C. Bharatkumar is currently a Scientist (Plant Breeding), AICRP on Chickpea, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Vijayapura, at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. He completed a Ph.D. (Genetics and Plant Breeding) from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. He has 9 years of experience as a scientist. He has been associated with the teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate students. He obtained the Best Scientist Award and Excellence in Research Award. He has published 2 Books, 26 international research papers in national referred journals, 5 book chapters, and 14 popular articles. He has participated in and presented papers in various international and national workshops, seminars, and conferences.Dr. Satish D. is currently working as an Associate Professor of Genetics and Plant Breeding in the Department of Biotechnology and Crop Improvement at the College of Horticulture, University of Horticultural Sciences Bagalkot, Karnataka, India. He graduated in Agricultural Sciences from the College of Agriculture, Raichur. He completed his Master and obtained a doctoral degree in Genetics and Plant Breeding from the University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad. He has 13 years of teaching and research experience. He has guided nine MSc and three PhD students and served as a member of the advisory committee for more than 60 postgraduate students of different disciplines. He has handled externally funded research projects sanctioned by different funding agencies as PI and Co-PI. He is also associated with the development of 11 varieties of different vegetable crops and four technologies related to horticultural sciences. He has received ICAR sponsored BEST TEACHER award for his excellence in teaching from the University Horticultural Sciences Bagalkot. Published more than 50 research papers in various national and international journals. He has attended national and international conferences and seminars and presented research papers. He has visited UAE, Malaysia, Nepal, and Thailand to attend international conferences. He has good exposure in Agri/Horti startups, innovations, idea generation, evaluation, mentoring of Agri startups, e-marketing platforms, and IPR issues.Dr. Jasti Srivarsha is working at the Regional Research Station, Nashik, a part of the National Horticultural Research and Development Foundation. She was born in Hyderabad of Telangana. She graduated in horticulture from the College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar under YSR Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh. She obtained her master’s degree in Genetics and Plant Breeding from Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra, and secured two gold medals for academic excellence. She completed her Ph.D. in Genetics and Plant Breeding from Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra. She has authored numerous scientific publications and book chapters. She has experience in breeding activities of vegetable crops. She is currently involved in onion breeding. She serves as Senior Technical Officer (Plant Breeding) at NHRDF, Nashik.Dr. Sheetanshu Gupta working in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biotechnology for the last 13 years, an alumnus of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India, ICAR ARS NET (Plant Biochemistry and Plant Physiology) and CSIR NET. Dr. Gupta gained valuable experience in the areas of environmental problems, aeroponics and hydroponics, and protein biochemistry. His work showcased his expertise in applying innovative farming techniques and exploring novel approaches to plant protection. Dr. Gupta researched tissue culture hydroponics and mushroom farming, contributing to the advancement of these fields. Dr. Gupta’s academic qualifications, research experience, and expertise in biochemistry and biotechnology make him a valuable asset in the field. With his passion for teaching and research, dedication to innovative farming techniques, and student advocacy, Dr. Gupta continues to contribute significantly to the advancement of agricultural and biochemical sciences with more than 18 published books, 150 book chapters, 2 patents, and more than 25 Research/ Review papers.
