Dr. Himanshu Mehta is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of Fruit Science, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Maya Devi University, Dehradun. With a strong educational foundation from Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, he holds a Ph.D. in Fruit Science, specializing in natural integrated farming systems and their effects on apple production in dry temperate regions. His work emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices, precision horticulture, and the integration of geospatial tools in research. Dr. Mehta has contributed to numerous high-impact journals, authored book chapters, and is a co-inventor of a patented wastewater treatment design, reflecting his commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability in horticulture.

Online Profiles

Google Scholar Profile

As of 2025, Dr. Himanshu Mehta has received a total of 3 citations for his research publications, all of which have been cited since 2020. His h-index is 1, indicating at least one publication has been cited one or more times, reflecting a developing academic profile. These metrics underscore his emerging contributions in the field of horticultural science, particularly in apple-based integrated farming systems, rhizosphere microbiology, and geospatial applications in horticulture.

Education

Dr. Mehta’s educational journey is rooted in a consistent focus on horticulture and fruit science. He completed his Ph.D. in Fruit Science in 2023 with a CGPA of 8.25, focusing on integrated farming systems in temperate apple-growing regions. Prior to that, he earned his M.Sc. in the same discipline in 2019 with a CGPA of 7.61, undertaking a study on fruit crop diversity and frost vulnerability using GIS tools. His undergraduate B.Sc. (Horticulture) degree was awarded in 2017 with a CGPA of 7.11. Earlier schooling includes 10+2 from HPBOSE Dharamshala (80.20%) and 10th from ICSE, New Delhi (60.57%). This progression reflects both academic rigor and domain-specific expertise.

Research Focus

Dr. Mehta’s research integrates multiple domains—fruit tree nutrition, rhizospheric microbiology, geospatial analysis, and sustainable soil management. His core focus lies in optimizing fruit-based cropping systems under temperate and sub-temperate conditions, with particular attention to apple orchards in the Himalayan region. He explores how natural and integrated farming approaches affect productivity, biochemical fruit quality, and ecological sustainability. With an interdisciplinary approach, his work also leverages precision agriculture techniques, including GIS and remote sensing, to address climate-resilient horticultural challenges.

Experience

Dr. Mehta brings a blend of academic and field-level experience. Since February 2025, he has been serving as an Assistant Professor in Horticulture (Fruit Science) at Maya Devi University, Selaqui, Dehradun, where he is involved in teaching, research guidance, and departmental development. Prior to this, he worked with Sutra Consulting Pvt. Ltd. as a Field Enumerator cum Supervisor for the Mid-Term Review of the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project (2019–2020), contributing to field data collection and project evaluation. His experience spans teaching, laboratory research, extension work, and project-based horticultural development.

Research Timeline

Dr. Mehta’s research trajectory has evolved steadily, beginning with his M.Sc. (2017–2019), where he explored fruit crop diversity and frost risk mapping using geospatial tools. His Ph.D. (2020–2023) built on this with a systems-level study on natural integrated farming and apple production, combining field trials with soil and microbiome analysis. Post-Ph.D., he expanded into collaborative publications, international presentations, and design innovation. In 2024–2025, he co-authored several research papers in SCI-indexed journals and secured a design patent related to eco-friendly wastewater treatment. Now in academia, he continues research on sustainable orchard systems, precision inputs, and microbial interventions.

Awards & Honors

Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Mehta has demonstrated leadership and scholarly excellence. As President of the Central Student Association during his B.Sc. (2016–17), he led numerous student development initiatives. He was selected to present his research at national and international conferences, including the ICGEB workshop in Serbia and a major national conference at Navsari Agricultural University. In 2025, he was granted a registered design patent for a pine-needle-based wastewater treatment device, marking a significant interdisciplinary innovation. His growing academic recognition reflects a strong commitment to research, education, and environmental stewardship.

Top-Noted Publication

Among his published works, Dr. Mehta’s standout contribution is his 2024 meta-analysis study titled “Meta-analysis of apple-based farming systems for foliar index and harvest metrics in dry temperate ecosystem of north-west Himalaya,” published in Scientia Horticulturae (Volume 336:113330). This high-impact paper (IF 3.9, NAAS 9.90) offers a comprehensive synthesis of data on integrated apple farming practices and their measurable benefits in temperate regions. The study has been widely acknowledged for its methodological rigor, practical relevance, and contribution to sustainable horticultural practices in high-altitude ecosystems.

1. Meta-analysis of Apple-Based Farming Systems for Foliar Index and Harvest Metrics in Dry Temperate Ecosystem of North-West Himalaya
H. Mehta, P. Kumar, N.C. Sharma, U. Sharma, A. Chauhan, A. Negi
Scientia Horticulturae, Volume 336, Article 113360, 2024.
This high-impact study presents a comprehensive meta-analysis on foliar nutrient indices and harvest performance across apple-based farming systems in Himalayan dry temperate regions.
Impact Factor: 3.9 | NAAS: 9.90

2. Apple-Based Farming Systems Improve Production and Rhizosphere Microbiome in the North-West Himalayan Region’s Dry Temperate Environment
H. Mehta, P. Kumar, N.C. Sharma, A. Chauhan, A. Negi, D.P. Sharma
Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, pp. 1–24, 2024.
This research demonstrates how integrated apple systems enhance rhizospheric microbial diversity and productivity under environmentally challenging conditions.
Impact Factor: 3.4 | NAAS: 9.40

3. Microbial Communities in Rhizosphere Microbiome for Sustainable Soil Health and Productivity
P. Kumar, H. Mehta, V. Chandel, P. Chib, A.K. Passari
In: Plant Holobiome Engineering for Climate-Smart Agriculture, Springer Nature, pp. 367–386, 2024.
A comprehensive book chapter exploring rhizosphere microbial interactions and their roles in nutrient cycling and resilience in horticultural systems.

4. Impact Assessment of Natural Integrated Farming Systems on Apple Production in Dry Temperate Region
M. Himanshu
Ph.D. Thesis, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, 2023.
Doctoral research analyzing how integrated practices influence apple yield, fruit quality, and ecological sustainability in Himachal Pradesh’s dry temperate zones.

5. Mapping of Fruit Crop Diversity and Frost Vulnerability Using Geo-Spatial Tools in Bilaspur District
H. Mehta
M.Sc. Thesis, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Dr. YSPUHF, Neri (Hamirpur), 2019.
A pioneering GIS-based study assessing fruit crop zoning and frost risk for strategic horticultural planning in mid-hill zones.

6. Mapping Fruit Crops Diversity in Bilaspur District Using Geo-Spatial Techniques
V.K. Sharma, H. Mehta, S.D. Sharma, R.S. Rana
Biological Forum – An International Journal, 13(2): 711–715, 2021.
Applied GIS techniques to map fruit diversity and provided insights for spatial planning in horticulture.
NAAS: 4.96

7. Nano-Biofertilizers and Biological Amendments in Productivity Enhancement and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Fruit Crops
P. Kumar, P. Chib, V. Chandel, H. Mehta
Food and Scientific Reports, 4(7): 36–45, 2023.
This article explores emerging technologies in nano-biofertilizers and their role in improving fruit crop nutrition and sustainability.