Dr. Velmurugan Sundararajan - Horticulture - Best Researcher Award
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University - India
Professional Profile
Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Velmurugan Sundararajan began his academic journey at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, where he completed his Graduation in Agriculture in 1995, followed by a Post Graduation in 1998, and a Doctorate in Horticulture in 2001. His specialization in Floriculture and Landscaping laid the foundation for his career in horticultural research and education.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Sundararajan has held various academic positions, starting as an Assistant Professor in 2004 and progressing to roles as Associate Professor and Professor at different academic campuses and research stations. His expertise spans across diverse horticultural crops, Horticulture from temperate to tropical regions, reflecting his comprehensive understanding of agricultural landscapes. He has been actively involved in education, research, and extension activities at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.
Contributions and Research Focus
Throughout his career, Dr. Sundararajan has made substantial contributions to horticultural research, focusing on crop varieties like Cashew nut, Marigold, Chrysanthemum, Orchids, Anthurium, Ixora, Curry leaf, Black pepper, and Coconut. His research encompasses areas such as variety Horticulture development, geospatial mapping, and mobile app development for cashew farmers. He has published over 38 research papers in indexed journals and authored Horticulture numerous books and book chapters on various aspects of Horticulture.
Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Sundararajan's work has been recognized internationally and nationally, evident from his editorial appointments in journals like Scientia Horticulturae and Journal of Ornamental Horticulture. He has also collaborated with prestigious institutions and organizations such as the Horticulture Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Kraft Foods (USA), Horticulture and the Department of Science & Technology (New Delhi). His active memberships in professional societies further underscore his influence in the field of Horticulture.
Impact and Influence
His impact extends beyond academia to practical applications, such as organizing flower shows and conducting awareness programs on hi-tech cultivation. His collaborations and consultancy projects highlight his role in bridging academic research with industry needs, fostering sustainable Horticulture practices in agriculture.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Velmurugan Sundararajan's career exemplifies a commitment to excellence in horticultural research and education, positioning him as a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His holistic approach to integrating research, teaching, and outreach underscores his significant impact on the field of Horticulture.