Dr. Shashi Kala: Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist at Bihar Agricultural University, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India
Title/Designation: Dr.
Name: Shashi Kala
Current Role/Designation: Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist
Organization/Institution Details: Bihar Agricultural University, Bhagalpur, Bihar
Country: India
Subject Track: Agriculture
Key Areas of Expertise: Horticulture
Award Categories: Best Innovator Award
Dr. Shashi Kala is an Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist at the Department of Food Science and Post-Harvest Technology, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour. She earned her Ph.D. in Horticulture from CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, where her research focused on Pomology and Plant Tissue Culture. With over a decade of experience in academia and research, Dr. Kala specializes in the study of horticultural crops, post-harvest management, and the application of eco-friendly agricultural practices. Her work spans from improving fruit quality and yield to extending shelf life through innovative, sustainable techniques. Dr. Kala is committed to promoting sustainable agriculture and has become a leading researcher in the areas of post-harvest biology and the application of biotechnology in horticultural practices.
Online Profiles
Dr. Kala actively engages with the global academic community through her published works and affiliations with professional societies. She has contributed to various high-impact journals, and her research is widely cited in the fields of horticulture, plant physiology, and post-harvest technology. As a member of multiple agricultural societies, she stays at the forefront of research and advancements in her field. Her professional profile can be found on platforms like ResearchGate and Google Scholar, where she maintains a detailed record of her publications and collaborations. Furthermore, Dr. Kala is an experienced reviewer for prominent journals, including Indian Journal of Horticulture, Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, and Academic Journals (African Journal of Agricultural Research).
Education
Dr. Kala’s academic journey is characterized by excellence. She completed her Ph.D. in Horticulture at CCS Haryana Agricultural University (CCS HAU), Hisar, in 2011, specializing in Pomology and Plant Tissue Culture. Prior to that, she completed her M.Sc. in Horticulture (2007) from CCS HAU, Hisar, where she explored plant physiology and environmental stress in fruit crops. Dr. Kala holds a B.Sc. in Agriculture (2005) from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, where she developed a solid foundation in agricultural sciences. Throughout her academic career, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, earning top ranks and several prestigious awards.
Research Focus
Dr. Kala’s research focus lies in advancing post-harvest management practices and improving the quality of horticultural crops. Her work involves a wide range of topics, from enhancing the yield and quality of fruits like Kinnow, guava, and mango to the development of environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. She has a keen interest in the use of bioactive compounds such as essential oils for extending the shelf life of fruits and improving their resistance to post-harvest diseases. Additionally, Dr. Kala’s research delves into optimizing plant tissue culture techniques and investigating the effects of growth regulators on fruit development and quality. By integrating sustainable and bio-based technologies, her research contributes to improving the productivity and profitability of horticultural crops while reducing environmental impact.
Experience
Dr. Kala has over 10 years of experience as an academic and researcher. Since 2011, she has served as an Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour. In this role, she has taught and mentored students in the fields of Horticulture, Plant Physiology, and Post-Harvest Technology. Dr. Kala has led several research projects, focusing on improving the post-harvest quality of fruits through the use of novel techniques such as pre-harvest bunch bagging and the application of essential oils. She has worked as a Principal Investigator on university-funded projects, including those aimed at extending the shelf life of fruits and developing functional food products. Her academic role also involves guiding M.Sc. students through their thesis work, providing them with the skills and knowledge to excel in their research.
Research Timeline & Activities
Dr. Kala’s research timeline spans more than a decade, with her academic career beginning in 2007 when she pursued her M.Sc. in Horticulture. Over the years, she has developed a deep expertise in post-harvest management and plant physiology, particularly in relation to horticultural crops. Her research journey has included major contributions to improving fruit shelf life, including the use of essential oils and growth regulators. Currently, Dr. Kala is focusing on optimizing the use of plant-based substances to enhance fruit preservation and exploring the role of pre-harvest treatments in improving fruit quality. She continues to contribute to advancing knowledge in the field through numerous publications, conference presentations, and collaborations with other researchers.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Kala’s academic excellence has been recognized through multiple awards and honors. She achieved All India 8th Rank in the ICAR-JRF examination and was awarded the Junior Research Fellowship for her Master’s program. She also received the Silver Jubilee First Prize for securing the highest marks among Ph.D. students at CCS HAU. Her dedication to research and the advancement of horticultural science has earned her several Young Scientist Awards from various agricultural societies. Dr. Kala has also been nominated for Gold Medals for the best thesis in recognition of her academic contributions. These accolades reflect her continuous commitment to high-quality research and the betterment of horticultural sciences.
Top Noted Publication
One of Dr. Kala’s most significant publications is “Effect of Multi-Coloured Fly Traps on Yield and Physicochemical Quality of ‘Kinnow’ Fruits,” which appeared in Applied Fruit Science in 2025. This study focuses on improving fruit yield and quality through sustainable pest management strategies. Another notable publication is her work on “Non-woven Bags: An Eco-Friendly Bunch Cover for High-Quality Banana Production,” published in New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science in 2025. This paper highlights the potential of using biodegradable materials for enhancing fruit quality while reducing environmental pollution. These publications reflect her expertise in sustainable agricultural practices and her commitment to improving post-harvest management techniques.
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Effect of Multi-coloured Fly Traps on Yield and Physicochemical Quality of ‘Kinnow’ Fruits
Applied Fruit Science, October 2025
DOI: 10.1007/s10341-025-01561-x
Contributors: Shalu Rani; Shashi Kala; Payal Saini; Prem Prakash -
Non-woven bags: an eco-friendly bunch cover over plastic bags for high-quality banana production
New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science, July 2025
DOI: 10.1080/01140671.2025.2473709
Contributors: Aryama Deepti; Shashi Kala; Prem Prakash