Dr. Avinash Kumar Bhatia: Assistant Professor at Desh Bhagat University Mandi Gobindgarh Punjab, India
Dr. Avinash Kumar Bhatia is a dedicated and accomplished scholar in the field of Forestry, with a specialization in Agroforestry. He brings a dynamic blend of academic excellence, field experience, and research acumen, having worked extensively on sustainable agroforestry models that enhance soil fertility, crop productivity, and rural livelihoods. His interdisciplinary approach, combining silviculture, agriculture, and soil science, positions him at the forefront of innovative land-use solutions for hilly and semi-arid regions. Known for his strong commitment to academic leadership and outreach, Dr. Bhatia actively engages in teaching, research supervision, editorial responsibilities, and student mentorship. His vision is rooted in contributing meaningfully to sustainable agriculture and ecosystem resilience through policy-relevant research and education.
Online Profiles
As of 2025, Dr. Avinash Kumar Bhatia has received a total of 48 citations, with 47 of those occurring since 2020, reflecting the growing relevance and visibility of his research in the field of agroforestry and allied sciences. He holds an h-index of 5 (4 since 2020), indicating that at least five of his publications have each been cited five or more times. This demonstrates a consistent impact of his scholarly work, particularly in the domain of sustainable land-use systems, integrated nutrient management, and agroforestry modeling. His research continues to inform academic discussions and guide field applications within forestry, agriculture, and environmental sciences.
Education
Dr. Avinash Kumar Bhatia pursued all his higher education at Dr. YSP University of Horticulture and Forestry (YSPUHF), Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, where he earned his Ph.D. in Forestry (Agroforestry) in 2024 with an exceptional score of 86.20%. Prior to this, he completed his M.Sc. in Agroforestry in 2020 with 85.10%, and B.Sc. (Hons.) in Forestry in 2018 with 82.50%, securing university merit scholarships multiple times. He completed his 10+2 from CBSE in 2014 and matriculation from HP Board in 2012, consistently earning first division marks throughout. Notably, he ranked 3rd nationally in the SC category in the ICAR-JRF (2018) entrance and qualified ICAR NET in 2021 and 2023 in Agroforestry.
Research Focus
Dr. Bhatia’s research is centered around agroforestry systems, particularly focusing on tree-crop interactions, integrated nutrient management (INM), soil health, bio-economics, and carbon sequestration in agro-ecological contexts. His work emphasizes the ecological and economic viability of agroforestry models involving indigenous tree species such as Terminalia chebula (Harar), Phyllanthus emblica (Aonla), and Punica granatum (wild pomegranate). He has also explored allelopathy, organic inputs, and system sustainability. His research aims to improve farming practices for smallholder farmers, reclaim degraded lands, and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through science-led innovations in land use and forestry.
Experience
Dr. Bhatia is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, since April 2024, where he teaches and guides students in Forestry and Agroforestry. Before this, he was a Junior Project Fellow at the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, and earlier worked as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) under the Director of Research, Dr. YSPUHF, Nauni. His teaching experience includes delivering guest lectures in government schools, and offering online coaching classes for ICAR-JRF aspirants in Forestry. In addition to academics, he holds editorial and leadership roles, contributing as State Advisor and President of AIASA Himachal Pradesh, and General Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Forestry Students Association.
Research Timeline & Activities
Dr. Bhatia’s M.Sc. thesis (2019–2020) investigated the impacts of Harar and Aonla tree-based agroforestry systems on the growth and yield of agricultural crops such as maize, mash, and arhar, including effects on soil properties and system economics. His Ph.D. research (2021–2023) expanded this work by studying the role of integrated nutrient management (INM) on crop and soil performance under wild pomegranate-based systems, including allelopathic effects. Over his academic journey, he has published 18 research/review papers, authored 1 book, contributed to 4 book chapters, published 5 popular/technical articles, and completed 3 Coursera certifications, 9 FDPs, and participated in over 15 conferences and workshops, including international events in Canada and India.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Bhatia has received numerous accolades, including the Young Scientist Award (2024) and Best Poster Presentation Award (2022) at international conferences. He was recognized early in his academic life, receiving a merit certificate for top 100 ranking in HP Board Matriculation and an appreciation letter from Smriti Zubin Irani (MHRD, GOI) for his CBSE XII performance. He won merit scholarships during both B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees, placed 2nd in university Hindi debate, and secured multiple cultural and athletic honors including in mimicry, skit, and javelin throw. His leadership as State President (AIASA, HP) and university-level representation in student bodies reflect his well-rounded profile as a scholar-leader.
Top Noted Publication
Among his most impactful publications is the peer-reviewed article titled: “Fruit and pulse synergy: Evaluating Vigna mungo performance in Himalayan wild pomegranate-based agroforestry systems”, published in Agroforestry Systems (2025), Volume 99(37), DOI: [10.1007/s10457-024-01116-1], with an Impact Factor of 2.0. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the synergistic effects of integrating pulses with fruit trees under agroforestry settings, contributing valuable insights into yield optimization and ecosystem services. It reflects his core expertise in designing efficient agroforestry models tailored to hilly terrains and semi-arid landscapes.
A review on Terminalia chebula Retz.(Harar) – an important multipurpose tree
S Singh, A K Bhatia, K Sharma, D Sharma
International Journal of Economic Plants, 7(2), 049-052, 2020 | Citations: 8Economic profitability and carbon stock potential of cereals and pulses under harar and aonla based agroforestry systems in the low hill zone of Himachal Pradesh
A K Bhatia, K Sharma, K S Pant, S Singh, P Prakash, P Kumar, Saakshi, …
International Journal of Economic Plants, 9 (May, 2), 170-173, 2022 | Citations: 7Role of non-timber forest products in rural economy of farmers
S Singh, N Chaudhary, A K Bhatia
International Journal of Economic Plants, 7(4), 165-169, 2020 | Citations: 7Variations in morphometric characteristics of white mulberry (Morus alba L.)
V Sharma, A Kumari, I K Thakur, M Chandel, A K Bhatia, A Kumar
Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 10, 312-315, 2021 | Citations: 5Forest fire as an evil or necessity
A K Bhatia, K Sharma, D Sharma
Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 9(5), 138-141, 2020 | Citations: 5
Strengths for the Best Innovator Award
Pioneering Sustainable Agroforestry Models
Dr. Bhatia’s innovative research on integrating indigenous multipurpose tree species like Terminalia chebula and Punica granatum with crops has led to the development of sustainable agroforestry systems. These models enhance soil health, improve crop productivity, and support rural livelihoods, demonstrating practical and scalable innovations for ecological resilience.Interdisciplinary and Holistic Approach
Combining silviculture, agriculture, and soil science, Dr. Bhatia has introduced novel integrated nutrient management (INM) strategies that optimize tree-crop interactions and promote system sustainability. His cross-disciplinary methodology addresses both ecological and economic challenges faced by smallholder farmers in hilly and semi-arid regions.Research Impact and Growing Academic Influence
With 48 citations mainly from recent years and a steadily increasing h-index, his work reflects innovative contributions that are gaining recognition in the agroforestry and forestry community. His research outputs are policy-relevant and serve as a scientific foundation for improved land-use practices.Technology and Knowledge Dissemination
Dr. Bhatia actively bridges research and practice by mentoring students, conducting online coaching for ICAR-JRF aspirants, delivering guest lectures, and engaging with community stakeholders. His editorial and leadership roles in forestry student associations amplify his role as a knowledge innovator and leader in academia.Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
His innovations are aligned with global sustainability objectives, aiming to improve carbon sequestration, reclaim degraded lands, and enhance food security. His science-led solutions have a direct bearing on climate resilience and rural economic development, reflecting a visionary approach to agroforestry innovation.