Dr Vikas Sharma of SKUAST-J bags SIDAVES Fellow Award 2025

Jammu, April 20: Dr Vikas Sharma, a professor at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Science and Technology (SKUAST)- Jammu, and a resident of Channi Himmat, has been conferred the prestigious SIDAVES Fellow Award 2025 by the Society for Integrated Development of Agriculture, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (SIDAVES). The award was presented in recognition of his significant academic and research contributions in the field of Biochemistry.
The award was bestowed upon Dr Sharma on April 17 by Padma Shri awardee Vijaipal Singh, a renowned Indian plant breeder, during the 3rd Annual Convention and National Symposium on “Next Generation Agriculture, Horticulture and Livestock Farming (NGA-25)”, jointly organised by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology (SVPUAT) and SIDAVES at Modipuram, Meerut.
SIDAVES is a scientific and professional society dedicated to promoting sustainable development through integrated advancements in science, agriculture, veterinary and ecological disciplines. Guided by the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Parma Sukham—the world is one family—the society aims to address global challenges including food security, malnutrition, unemployment, gender inequality, and social injustice.
As part of the symposium, Dr Sharma also delivered a lead lecture, presenting research on the anti-cancer potential of minor fruits native to the Kandi belt of the Jammu region. He emphasised the urgent need for novel therapeutics that are less toxic, cause fewer side effects, and are more effective in targeting cancer cells, underscoring the importance of bioprospecting underutilised plant species. Currently a Professor in the Division of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences at SKUAST-Jammu , Dr Sharma has an impressive academic record. He has guided 10 PhD and 7 MSc students as a major advisor and authored over 80 full-length research papers in respected national and international journals. He has also received several prestigious awards from government bodies for his contributions to medicinal plant research. This latest honour by SIDAVES reaffirms Dr Sharma’s role as a leading voice in the intersection of biochemical research and sustainable agricultural development.