Dr. Umesh Thapa, M.Sc. (Ag.), Ph.D., Post-Doc (Italy), is a distinguished academician, researcher, and mentor in the field of Vegetable Science. He is currently serving as Professor in the Department of Vegetable Science and Chairman of the Placement Cell at the Faculty of Horticulture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV), Mohanpur, West Bengal, India. Over the course of more than three decades, Dr. Thapa has built a career marked by excellence in teaching, research, and extension education. He has held several key academic and administrative positions at BCKV, including Director of Extension Education, Head of the Department of Vegetable Science, Secretary, Faculty Council , Course Director , DAESI  and Dean of Students’ Welfare, where he contributed significantly to institutional development, student welfare, and outreach to farming communities. Dr. Thapa is widely recognized for his expertise in protected cultivation technology and hydroponic/soilless culture of high-value vegetable crops. His postdoctoral fellowship, awarded by the Government of Italy, enabled him to pursue advanced research on Soilless Culture in Vegetables at the University of Turin, further strengthening his global perspective and research skills.Academic and Research Contributions.

        Throughout his career, Dr. Thapa has played an active role in nurturing future generations of agricultural scientists. He has successfully guided 26 M.Sc. (Horticulture) students and 14 Ph.D. scholars, many of whom are now contributing to academia, research, and industry. He has also supervised 20 major research projects as Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator, funded by national and international agencies, as well as private organizations. He is actively engaged in teaching postgraduate courses in the Faculty of Horticulture, and undergraduate courses across the Faculties of Agriculture, Horticulture, and Agricultural Engineering. His teaching blends academic rigor with practical insights, preparing students to meet the evolving challenges of modern horticulture.

Dr. Thapa is a prolific writer with over 110 research papers published in reputed national and international journals. He has authored 20 books, 10 book chapters, and 12 practical teaching manuals, along with numerous popular articles designed to benefit farmers and extension workers. His works have contributed to knowledge dissemination not only within academic circles but also at the grassroots level. He is also the Chief Editor of the e-newsletter Krishi Udyan Darpan (Innovative Sustainable Farming), published by the Society of Advancement in Agriculture, Horticulture, and Allied Sectors (SAAHAS), Allahabad.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to science and society, Dr. Thapa has received numerous prestigious awards: Outstanding Scientist Award – International Scientist Awards on Engineering, Science and Medicine, Hyderabad (2021) Bharat Jyoti Award – India International Friendship Society, New Delhi (2021) Bharat Vikas Award – Institute of Self Reliance, Bhubaneswar (2017)Eminent Scientist Award – Samgra Vikas Welfare Society, Lucknow (2017)Achiever Award – Society for Advancement of Human and Nature (SADHNA), Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan (2016)Award for Excellence in Research – 4th Academic Brilliance Awards (2016)Distinguished Scientist Award – Venus International Foundation Research Awards (2015) Certificate of Recognition – Scientific Federation, Keynote Presentation at the International Congress and Expo on Agriculture & Horticulture, Amsterdam, Netherlands (2018) Reviewer Excellence Award – Indian Journal of Agricultural Research & Legume Research (2016)

     Dr. Thapa is a life member, reviewer, and editorial board member of several reputed scientific societies and journals. He has served as examiner for multiple universities and has received special recognition for his contributions as a peer reviewer. He has frequently served as a resource person for training and orientation programs on commercial vegetable production and has appeared as an expert on All India Radio, Doordarshan Kolkata, Rangeen TV, and Kurseong broadcasts. With a strong commitment to academic exchange and international collaboration, Dr. Thapa has participated in research and academic missions in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, UK  and Belgium. These experiences have enriched his scientific outlook and facilitated cross-cultural knowledge sharing.

Dr. Umesh Thapa’s career reflects a rare combination of academic brilliance, innovative research, and deep commitment to extension work. His contributions in the fields of protected cultivation and hydroponics have provided sustainable solutions for enhancing vegetable productivity and profitability. As a teacher, mentor, researcher, and leader, he continues to inspire students, colleagues, and farming communities, leaving an enduring impact on the field of horticultural science.