Breeding Resilient Crops for Climate Smart Agriculture

Dr. Deepak Gupta currently working as Assistant Professor (GPB) at College of Agriculture, Fatehpur-Shekhawati, Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner. He did his Graduation, Post Graduation and Ph.D. degrees from Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner. He is actively engaged in teaching courses of plant breeding, genetics, biology, biometrical genetics, seed technology and guiding numerous M.Sc. and Ph.D. students . Beginning his career in 1997 as a Technical Assistant at Rajasthan Agricultural University, Dr. Gupta transitioned to academia as an Assistant Professor in 2018. His research contributions span several key projects, including the All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRP) on Sesame, Rapeseed and Mustard, management of salt-affected soils, and the use of saline water in agriculture, as well as the National Seed Project and the All India Network Project (AINP) on Onion and Garlic. Dr. Gupta is a prolific scholar, having published over 80 research papers, popular articles, symposium abstracts, and book chapters. He has also authored a two book.

Dr. Shailesh Kumar Jain was born on 07.08.1976 and is presently serving as a Professor in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (RARI), SKN Agriculture University, Durgapura, Jaipur. With a specialization in Crop Improvement, Dr. Jain brings with him over 20 years of dedicated experience in teaching, research, and crop development. He earned his Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, and completed his M.Sc. and B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture from S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner. Dr. Jain has served in reputed institutions like SD Agricultural University, Dantiwada, Gujarat and SKN Agriculture University, Jobner, contributing significantly to national research programs such as AICRP on Chickpea, Pearl Millet, Sorghum and Arid Legumes. He has played a pivotal role in the development and release of 18 improved crop varieties and the registration of novel germplasm lines with NBPGR, New Delhi. In his current role, he also serves as Incharge of AICRP on Rabi Pulses, Pearl millet and Head of Department and PG Coordinator, guiding several M.Sc. and Ph.D. students. A life member of five professional societies, Dr. Jain has authored over 100 research papers and 50 popular articles, and actively participates in both national and international academic events, while also being deeply involved in UG and PG curriculum delivery

Dr. Vikas Khandelwal was born on 22.02.1972 and is presently serving as a Senior Scientist (Plant Breeding) at ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet, PC Unit, ARS, AU, Jodhpur. With a specialization in Crop Improvement, Dr. Khandelwal brings with him over 20 years of dedicated experience in teaching, research, and crop development. He earned his Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, and completed his M.Sc. and B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture from S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner. Dr. Khandelwal has served in reputed institutions like N.M. College of Agriculture, NAU, Navsari and ICAR-CAZRI, contributing significantly to national research programs such as AICRP on Sorghum and Pearl millet. He has played a pivotal role in the development and release of 04 improved Pearl millet hybrids and coordination of National Research programme ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet. In his current role, he also serves as PI-Plant Breeding of ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet. A life member of five professional societies, Dr. Khandelwal has authored over 75 research papers and 15 popular articles, and actively participates in both national and international academic events, while also being deeply involved in UG and PG curriculum delivery.