The book entitled-Varieties and Hybrids of Vegetables” is the compilation of up-to-date information on the vegetable cultivars developed through selection, hybridization, mutation etc. in public and private sector institutions. The information exclusively deals with the basic knowledge, important characters, merits and the yield potential of improved varieties and hybrids of more than 100 crops. The book is also aiming to make the teachers, researchers, students, growers, extension workers, agri-business entrepreneurs and NGO’s understand, the recent developments in crop improvement of major as well as upcoming nutritious vegetables for their larger benefits.
Dr. Dina Nath Singh is Professor of Vegetable Science, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar. He received B.Sc. (Ag.) degree from Udai Pratap College, Varanasi under Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur (UP) in 1974 and M. Sc.(Ag.) Horticulture and Ph.D., Horticulture from Banaras Hindu University in 1976 and 1982, respectively. Dr. Singh has 30 years of research experience in the field of Vegetable Science along with 12 years experience of teaching of Graduate, Post Graduate and Ph.D. students in the field of vegetable science. He has 80 research papers published in National and International Journals. Dr. Singh has guided several Post Graduate and Ph.D. students in the field of vegetable science. He is a author of a text book entitled “Production Management of Underutilized vegetables”. He has developed a number of technologies for increasing production of vegetables in Orissa. Dr. Singh is a fellow of Society of Environmental Sciences. He is the life members of 4 Scientific Societies. He has attended several workshops, seminars and symposia of national and international repute during his service careers related with Horticultural crops. Dr. Singh is also Officer-in-Charge of All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Medicinal & Aromatic Plant and Betelvine, OUAT, Bhubaneswar Centre.
Prof. Vishal Nath, Ph.D. has completed his Master’s degree in Horticulture from Narendra Dev University of Agriculture and Technology, Faizabad and Ph.D. (Hort.) from Kanpur. He started his career as Scientist (Hort.) from Central Institute for Sub-tropical Horticulture, Lucknow in 1993 and worked as Scientist at NRC for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner, Senior Scientist (Hort.) at Central Horticultural Experiment Station (IIHR), Ranchi and Horticulture and Agro-forestry Research Programme, Ranchi and moved as Professor (Horticulture) at Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi. Prof. Vishal Nath is presently working as Principal Scientist & Head, Central Horticultural Experiment Station (IIHR), Bhubaneswar since 01.07.2006.
Prof. Vishal Nath has exclusively worked on fruits of major and minor importance being grown in arid and semi-arid regions and under waste land conditions. He has developed many technologies and varieties of different fruit and vegetable crops suitable for resource poor areas. Apart from his contribution to National Agricultural Research System (NARS), he has exposure to Hi-tech Horticulture being practiced in developed countries like Israel. He has written many technical bulletins, extension folders and information brochures on various aspects. Prof. Vishal Nath has authored very important series of book on 'Fruits for the Future' besides reference books on Aird horticulture, Litchi and Fruit Production Technology for Plateau regions which has been widely appreciated by the readers and farmers. Prof. Vishal Nath has more than 250 publications on different horticultural crops and related aspects in his credit which includes research papers, popular articles, technical bulletins, research manuals and information bulletins. Prof. Vishal Nath has wider experience of research, extension and teaching across the country and conferred with Fellow of Hill Horticulture Development Society, Horticultural Society of India and Bharat Jyoti Award, Best Citizen of India Award. He has been the Chairman and member of various committees for Horticultural Research, Education and Development.
