Solan: Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, has assigned new administrative responsibilities to several senior faculty members, strengthening its academic and research leadership.
Dr Ramesh Kumar Bhardwaj has assumed charge as the Dean of the College of Horticulture and Forestry (COH&F), Neri, in Hamirpur district. A distinguished vegetable scientist with over three decades of experience, Dr Bhardwaj has made significant contributions in vegetable breeding, crop improvement, hybrid and variety development, evaluation, and seed production technology. He has successfully led several nationally important research programmes, including the ICAR-funded All India Coordinated Research Project on Vegetable Crops (AICRP-VC). Under his stewardship, the Solan Centre earned national recognition and was adjudged among the best AICRP Vegetable Crops centres in the country.
Dr SK Bhardwaj has taken over as the Dean Students’ Welfare at the main campus. Earlier, he served as Professor and Head of the Department of Environmental Science. An eminent environmental scientist, Dr Bhardwaj specializes in soil and water pollution monitoring, climate change studies and environmental assessment. With more than three decades of experience in teaching, research and extension, he has successfully led several projects funded by various national agencies.
The university has also appointed new Heads of Departments. Dr PK Baweja has assumed charge as Professor and Head of the Department of Environmental Science. She was previously serving as Joint Director (Communication and Training) in the Directorate of Extension Education. A seasoned environmental scientist and extension specialist, Dr Baweja has made notable contributions in climate science, agrometeorology and climate-resilient agriculture. Her weather-based agro-advisory services have benefited more than 2.30 lakh farmers through SMS advisories, contributing significantly to climate-smart farming practices in the state.
Dr Balbir Singh Dogra has also assumed charge as Professor and Head of the Department of Seed Science and Technology at the main campus. Earlier, he headed the Department of Vegetable Science at COH&F, Neri. A specialist in vegetable breeding and seed production, Dr Dogra has over 27 years of experience in teaching, research and extension and has contributed extensively to crop improvement and seed technology programmes.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Harminder Singh Baweja expressed confidence that the newly appointed deans and heads would further strengthen the university’s teaching, research and extension programmes and contribute significantly to its continued growth and excellence.
