| Agriculture Research Institute, Agriculture University, Jodhpur | INDIA

Dr. Saresh N. V. is an accomplished Agroforestry and Forestry scientist with over 12 years of professional experience in teaching, research, extension, and natural resource management. He currently serves as Assistant Professor (Agro-Forestry) at the Agricultural Research Station (Agriculture University, Jodhpur), Rajasthan, where he has been contributing to research, education, and technology dissemination since February 2018.

He completed his postgraduate and doctoral studies in Forestry and was awarded the Department Merit Scholarship by Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan. He was also a recipient of the prestigious ICAR Senior Research Fellowship. His academic journey has been complemented by specialized training in Remote Sensing and GIS, Agroforestry, Climate Change Mitigation, Nursery Management, Forest Management, and Agricultural Education from renowned institutions including NRSC Hyderabad, ICAR-CAZRI Jodhpur, Punjab Agricultural University, and Agriculture University Jodhpur.

Prior to joining Agriculture University, Jodhpur, Dr. Saresh served in several academic and research capacities, including Assistant Silviculturist at Punjab Agricultural University, Teaching Research Personnel at VCSG Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry (VCSG UUHF), Bharsar, Research Associate, Junior Research Fellow, Project Scientist, and Consultant. Through these roles, he made significant contributions to forestry research, ecological restoration, watershed management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agricultural development.

Research Contributions

Dr. Saresh's research primarily focuses on agroforestry, silviculture, tree improvement, biodiversity conservation, wildlife management, climate-resilient agriculture, and sustainable livelihood enhancement. His work integrates biotechnology, participatory research approaches, and ecological restoration strategies to develop practical solutions for farming communities, particularly in arid and semi-arid ecosystems.

His notable research accomplishments include:

  • Principal Investigator of a DST-ASACODER funded project on enhancing farmers' livelihood through value addition and mechanization for Kair, Moringa, and Nagauri Methi.
  • Development of 16 value-added products from Kair and Moringa.
  • Establishment and evaluation of Moringa varietal trials for pod and fodder production in Rajasthan.
  • Development of 11 research recommendations as Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator.
  • Significant contributions to genetic improvement of Marwari goats, multilocation crop trials, and agroforestry technologies.
  • Pioneering research on Grewia optiva breeding, confirming intra-specific hybrids using RAPD and ISSR molecular markers and identifying superior parental combinations for future breeding programmes.
  • Extensive ecological and socio-economic studies on Participatory Forest Management, short-rotation forestry, watershed development, and land-use planning.

Publications & Scholarly Achievements

Dr. Saresh has established a strong academic profile through:

  • More than 29 research papers published in reputed peer-reviewed scientific journals.
  • 6 book chapters.
  • Numerous conference papers and research abstracts presented at international and national conferences.
  • 26 invited lectures, resource person assignments, and conference presentations.
  • Organization of 7 professional training programmes.

His research impact is reflected through:

  • Google Scholar: 166 citations, h-index: 7, i10-index: 3.
  • ResearchGate: Research Interest Score of 351.9, 98 citations, h-index: 7.

Awards & Academic Recognition

Dr. Saresh has received several prestigious awards and recognitions for his scientific contributions, including:

  • Sir Dietrich Brandis Award (Forestry) – 2024 for outstanding contributions to Forestry.
  • ISAF Best Paper Award (2022) for research on canopy management of Prosopis cineraria.
  • Multiple First Prize Awards for oral presentations at international and national conferences.
  • Young Scientist Award from JMD Educational Society (2016).
  • Young Scientist Award from Astha Foundation (2015).
  • Young Scientist Award from SSDAT (2015).
  • Department Merit Scholarship.
  • ICAR Senior Research Fellowship.

He has also represented his university in national-level sports, winning a Gold Medal in the All India Inter Agricultural Sports Meet (Kho Kho) and representing the University in cricket and football competitions.

Professional Engagements

Dr. Saresh has actively participated in numerous:

  • International Conferences
  • World Agroforestry Congresses
  • International Symposia
  • National Seminars
  • Science Congresses
  • Professional Workshops and Training Programmes

He has presented research in India as well as internationally, including participation in the 5th World Agroforestry Congress, Canada.

Areas of Expertise

  • Agroforestry Systems
  • Silviculture
  • Tree Improvement & Forest Genetics
  • Molecular Breeding
  • Biodiversity Conservation
  • Wildlife Management
  • Climate Change Adaptation
  • Remote Sensing & GIS
  • Watershed Management
  • Sustainable Agriculture
  • Value Addition of Forest Produce
  • Farmer-Centric Technology Development

Eligibility for the Remarkable Researcher Award 

Dr. Saresh N. V. is highly eligible for the Remarkable Researcher Award in the Scientific Laurels based on his distinguished career in agroforestry and forestry research. His sustained contributions include impactful externally funded research projects, innovative technologies for farmer livelihood enhancement, molecular breeding research, biodiversity conservation initiatives, value-added product development, and extensive scientific publications. His impressive record of national and international awards, scholarly impact, leadership in multidisciplinary research projects, and commitment to translating scientific research into practical agricultural innovations make him an outstanding candidate for this prestigious recognition.