Smart Horticulture Production Integrating Advanced Technologies

Rajni Rajan, PhD, is currently working as an Assistant Professor (Fruit Science) in the Department of Horticulture at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India. Her research work focuses on fruit breeding, biotechnology, tissue culture, abiotic stress management, and mutation breeding in fruit crops. She explores the area of genomics, metabolomics, genome editing, and the implication of artificial intelligence in fruit crops. She qualified in JRF-NTS, SRF-NTS, and ARSB NET in Fruit Science. She also received a best oral and poster presentation awards for her papers at various international and national conferences. She has published 21 research papers, 10 book chapters, and several popular articles in reputed journals and magazines. She serves on the editorial boards of multiple reputable publications. She has also published two patents and was awarded one design patent by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. She is a lifelong member of many reputable organizations as well. She received an outstanding MSc Thesis award at the International Conference on Food Security through Agriculture & Allied Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Duniya Ram Singh, PhD, currently serves as the Vice Chancellor of Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, Bihar, India. Prior to this, he held the esteemed position of Vice Chancellor at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology (CSAU&T), Kanpur, where he spearheaded its accreditation as the first NAAC-accredited state agricultural university in the country. Additionally, he has served as the Vice Chancellor in charge of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, India. His tenure as the Director of ICAR-National Research Centre for Orchids in Sikkim and his 14-year career at the ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, as a Senior Scientist, Principal Scientist, Division Head, and Acting Director, have been marked by significant contributions to agricultural research and development. A prolific scholar, Dr. Singh has published 250 research papers in prestigious national and international journals, authored 19 books, 43 bulletins, and eight policy papers. His work has earned him 32 awards from national and international bodies, reflecting his profound impact on agricultural sciences. Dr. Singh initiated the planting of 60,000 plantlets, earning numerous awards. His work in promoting noni as a major crop in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, alongside coconut and areca nut, has been ground-breaking. He also developed a standardized tissue culture protocol for dragon fruits and introduced three new orchid varieties: Namo, Sardar, and Deendayal. His efforts have reduced India dependency on foreign orchids and curbed biopiracy in the northeastern states.