Journal of Plant Science and Biotechnology

Affiliation: ICAR CITH Srinagar

Dr. Shoaib Nissar Kirmani (b. September 22, 1986) is an Indian horticultural scientist specializing in fruit science. He earned his PhD in Horticulture (Fruit Science) from SKUAST-Kashmir in 2018 under the DST-Inspire Fellowship, after completing his MSc and BSc in Agriculture with distinction. Dr. Kirmani has over a decade of professional experience with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). He began his career as a Research Associate and later served as Senior Technical Officer at ICAR–Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH), Srinagar, where he supervised large-scale fruit plant propagation, nursery management, and the introduction of new apple varieties. Since 2021, he has been working as Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture) at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Baramulla, focusing on research, extension services, and farmer training. He has contributed extensively to horticultural research, authoring and co-authoring numerous research papers, review articles, monographs, and book chapters. His work spans areas such as high-density fruit plantations, plant propagation techniques, canopy management, and pollination biology. He has also played a lead role in the release of three apple hybrid varieties. Dr. Kirmani has delivered many training programmes, farmer awareness camps, and media talks to promote scientific horticultural practices. Recognized for his academic excellence, he received the DST Inspire Fellowship and was honored by the Government of India in 2012 for securing first rank in his MSc program. Currently based in Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Kirmani continues to work at the interface of horticultural research, farmer training, and technology transfer to strengthen climate-resilient fruit production in temperate regions.