Dr. Aastik Jha is serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology (ANDUA&T), Kumarganj, Ayodhya, India. With 19 years of extensive research experience and 9 years of dedicated teaching experience, Dr. Jha has made remarkable contributions in the field of vegetable science, particularly in breeding, crop improvement, and innovative technologies for sustainable horticulture.

Research & Innovation

• Published 98 research papers in reputed national and international journals.

• Authored 12 books and contributed 12 book chapters.

• Compiled 01 abstract book and 26 extension folders for technology transfer.

• Published 31 popular articles to benefit farmers and agricultural professionals.

• Holds patents/copyrights including:

  • Automated Fruit Harvesting Drone Using Artificial Intelligence

  • Principles of Vegetable Breeding (Practical Manual)

Research Projects & Academic Contributions

• Project Investigator of AICRP-VC, ANDUAT and TSP-Onion funded by ICAR-DOGR, Pune.

• Handled 04 major projects at Nagaland University including NEH components for onion, garlic, and vegetable crops, and served as Co-PI in DUS testing guidelines validation for cucurbits.

• Guided several students and delivered academic courses with excellence.

• Participated in 9 seminars/symposiums and 4 workshops at national and international platforms.

Awards & Recognitions

Dr. Jha has received multiple awards in recognition of his excellence in teaching, research, and extension, including:

1. Best Teacher of the College Award (2023-24) – ANDUAT, Ayodhya.

2. Best Teacher of the University Award (2023-24) – ANDUAT, Ayodhya.

3. Fellow Award (2020) – International Conference on Global Approaches in Natural Resource Management for Climate Smart Agriculture (GNRSA-2020).

4. Outstanding Horticulturist Award (2021) – International Conference DISHA-2021.

5. Scientist of the Year Award (2019) – 3rd Global Meet on Science and Technology, NRC on Seed Spices, Ajmer.

6. Excellence of Research Award (2021) – TISPAS, Nagaland.

7. Young Scientist Award (2015) – 17th Indian Agricultural Scientists and Farmers’ Congress, Allahabad.

8. Best Poster Presentation Award (2014) – National Symposium on Precision Horticulture, IGKV Raipur.

9. Best Poster Presentation Award (2024) – ISVS Golden Jubilee National Seminar, ANDUAT, Ayodhya.

Extension & Outreach

• Delivered Radio Talk on “Patgobhi ki Phaslon me Samyik Karya” on All India Radio, Varanasi.

• Developed extension folders, popular articles, and farmer-centric publications for wider dissemination of scientific knowledge.

• Actively engaged with farmer training programs and outreach activities.

Memberships

• Member of 08 professional scientific societies, contributing to collaborative research and academic networks.

Eligibility for Excellent Professor Award

With nearly two decades of research excellence, impactful teaching, high-quality publications, patents, extension activities, and prestigious national and international awards, Dr. Aastik Jha is highly eligible to receive the Excellent Professor Award in Scientific Laurels. His outstanding career exemplifies dedication to agricultural innovation, farmer welfare, and academic leadership.