Director Profile

Dr. K. S. Pant is a seasoned academician and researcher who obtained his foundational degree, B.Sc. (Agriculture) specialization in Forestry, from HPKV, Palampur, in 1988. He then pursued his M.Sc. in Forestry with a specialization in Forest Biology and Tree Improvement at Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P), in 1991. Dr. Pant subsequently completed his doctoral studies in 1995, specializing in advanced Tree Improvement techniques, focusing on genetic variation and resilience among Himalayan tree species.

Since beginning his professional journey as a Research Associate, Dr. Pant has dedicated over three decades to forestry and agroforestry. At Dr. Y.S. Parmar UHF, Nauni, he advanced through academic and research roles to become a leading professor. He has held pivotal roles, including Joint Director (Forestry), Directorate of Research, Professor & Head, Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Horticulture & Forestry, UHF, Neri, Hamirpur (H.P), Officer In Charge AICRP-Agroforestry, Central Superintendent Examination and Warden at prestigious Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P). His leadership has been instrumental in driving research that supports sustainable forest management and agroforestry practices, particularly focusing on restoring degraded lands and enhancing agroforestry’s economic viability for Himalayan communities. Dr. Pant served as a member of the steering committee and the board of studies at the College of Forestry, UHF, Nauni. Additionally, he was a member of the Senate, the highest governing body of Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.), for two years.

Dr. Pant’s research portfolio includes significant contributions to agroforestry system management, particularly through innovations in tree spacing, integrated nutrient management, and organic farming methodologies that optimize growth and carbon sequestration in multipurpose tree systems. His studies have highlighted the benefits of agroforestry in soil health improvement, erosion control, and the economic sustainability of agroforestry crops under varying climatic conditions. His work on the carbon storage potential of agroforestry systems in the North-Western Himalayas has gained national recognition, with findings that form sustainable agroforestry practices in similar ecological zones.

Dr. Pant is a prolific author with over 75 research papers, 8 book chapters, 5 Bulletin, and teaching manual in highly regarded peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Pant has also developed 2 e-courses for the e-learning ICAR portal. His contributions to book chapters and technical bulletins on agroforestry have enriched scientific literature and served as valuable resources for practitioners. Dr. Pant has also served as Vice President of the Teacher Association UHF, Nauni.

Dr. Pant was selected as Associate Dean, College of Agriculture Garhwa, Birsa Agriculture University, Ranchi, Jharkhand. Among his accolades, the UNDP Fellowship (1988-1990) stands out, along with the Best Teacher Award, 2020 by AIASA, ICAR, New Delhi acknowledging his exceptional mentorship and contributions to forestry sciences. Dr. Pant has also received the Akhand Siksha Jyoti Award from Government of Himachal Pradesh. His dedication to academic excellence is evident through his notable achievements, including receiving the Best Poster Presentation Award at an international conference in Nauni-Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. His publications span a range of topics, including genetic diversity, soil improvement practices, and adaptive agroforestry systems for climate resilience.

As a dedicated educator, Dr. Pant has mentored 26 M.Sc. and 21 Ph.D. students, many of whom have made valuable contributions to agroforestry and forestry science. He has organized many workshops and training programs, including practical demonstrations for agroforestry techniques tailored to local conditions. His efforts in community engagement, such as village-level trainings, exhibitions, and farmer interactions, have been crucial in translating academic research into actionable knowledge for rural development and sustainable agroforestry practices. Dr. Pant has given over 180 invited talks at various state and national forums to support stakeholders and farmers. Besides this, Dr. Pant has also delivered Radio and TV talks at All India Radio (AIR), Shimla, and Hamirpur.

Dr. Pant has developed many location-specific agroforestry models such as stone fruit (Peach, Plum, and Apricot) based agroforestry model/system, wild pomegranate (Daru + Field crop) based agroforestry model, fodder (Grewia & Morus) based agroforestry model and Timber (Melia and Poplar) based agroforestry model.

Dr. Pant is a dedicated member of several professional organizations, reflecting his commitment to advancing forestry and agroforestry as essential key roles in environmental and socio-economic sustainability. He is a Fellow of the Society of Tropical Agriculture, a member of the Indian Society of Agroforestry, and serves on numerous national scientific committees. His active involvement includes roles on peer review panels, scientific advisory boards, and project steering committees. Dr. Pant’s affiliations provide him with platforms to influence forestry and agroforestry policies, contribute to scientific discourse, and mentor early-career researchers. His engagements in national and regional forums strengthen his vision of fostering collaborative efforts for the advancement of agroforestry.

Dr. Amol Vasishth  has vast experience of working in temperate, subtropical and tropical forest regions of the country with specialization in Forest Products & Utilization including non timber forest products. He had successfully completed his graduation in Forestry and Master of Science and Ph.D.in Forestry with specialization of Forest Products from Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan (HP). He has Professional Experience of more than sixteen years of Teaching, Research and Extension. He started his career as Research Associate in Forest Products & Utilization Department, College of Forestry, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan (HP) and afterwards joined as Assistant Professor in Forestry with specialization in Forest Products and Utilization, College of Horticulture and Forestry. Jhalawar, Maharana Partap University of Agriculture & Technology, Udaipur (Rajasthan) in 2007 and in the year 2016 he was selected as Associate Professor (Medicinal and Aromatic plants), College of Forestry, Navsari Agriculture University, Navsari (Gujarat). Whereas in the year 2018 he joined in the same post as Associate Professor Forest Products & Utilization in College of Forestry, Ranichauri  and assigned  additional charge of Associate Director Research VCSG Uttarakhand University of Horticulture & Forestry, Bharsar – Pauri Garhwal (UK). Presently he is also holding the charge of Nodal officer Mali Training Centre, Partap Nagar and Research and Extension Centre Jakhinda and Officer Incharge Research & Extension Centre, Sealqui.

Dr. Amol Vasishth taught various courses of Forestry in Forest Products & Utilization, Silviculture, Agro Forestry and handled many Research Projects of Indian Council of Agriculture Research, Department of Science Technology, Government of Rajasthan, National Afforestation and Eco development Board, Department of Biotechnology , National Medicinal Plant Board and Rashtriya Kisan Vikas Yojana. He has more than sixty seven Publications in the form of  research and poplar articles, book Chapters and abstracts . He has bagged Best Paper Award  from Soil Conservation Society of India and attended International Training on Carbon stock assessment and carbon Finance organized by World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) in Training centre for tropical Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability (TREES) at University of Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) College Laguna Philippines from 8-15 July, 2013 in Philippines. He was Head Forest Products & Utilization Department, College of Forestry, Navsari