Orchids of Desert and Semi-Arid Biogeographic Zones of India

Dr Satish Kumar Sharma Born on 10th August, 1976 in a rural village "khaltu" in district Solan of Himachal Pradesh, India, Dr Satish KumarSharma got his Bachelors degree in Horticulture from Dr Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP), before pursuing post-graduation and Doctorate in Post-harvest Technology from the same institute. At present, he is serving G.B. pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnager, (UK), in the capacity of Assistant Professor, Horticulture (Fruit and Vegetable Processing). Dr Sharma has about 11 years of experiences of research and more than 5 years of experience in teaching and extension in the field of postharvest technology of horticultural crops especially processing and utilization of fruits and vegetables, during which he has also guided 8 students for their Master's thesis research in the capacity of major advisor and co-advisor. He has handled 7 projects funded by national, international and private organizations, including Horticulture Technology Mission; Department of Biotechnology, GOI; NAIP; USDA Washington DC and Acme Cold Chain Sol. Pvt., Ltd. He has to his credit more than 40 publications including more than 20 research papers published in journals of national and international repute, along with review, book chapters and popular articles. He is life member of Association of Food Scientists and Technologists, Horticultural Society of India, and The Hill Horticulture Development Society. Besides being recipient of University merit scholarship throughout his post-graduation and Doctorate Dr Sharma has also been awarded kejeriwal Award (2002) for contributing best research article of interest to the industry and Dr J. S. Pruthi Award (2005) for development of new technology/machinery by the All India Food Processor's Association, New Delhi. Recently he was also nominated fro Lal Bahadur Shashtri Young Scientist Award of the ICAR. He has also been appointed as member editorial board and referee in Indian Journals and paper setter cum evaluator by many universities.