Dr. Vinayak Bhausaheb Shinde is a distinguished academician, researcher, and extension professional whose expertise spans horticultural and agricultural sciences, agricultural engineering, climate-smart technologies, protected cultivation and ICT-enabled agricultural innovation. He completed his B.Sc. Horticulture from MPKV Rahuri and pursued his M.Sc. and Ph.D. Horticulture in Fruit Science at Junagadh Agricultural University, Gujarat. His doctoral research was supported by the prestigious Fellowship from Jain Irrigation Systems Pvt. Ltd., Jalgaon, awarded to meritorious scholars working on advanced horticultural technologies; reflecting his academic excellence and industry-linked research capabilities. He further strengthened his qualifications with a PGDAEM from MANAGE Hyderabad and a Diploma in Agro-Journalism from YCMOU, Nashik.

With over 11 years of integrated experience in teaching, research, extension and academic administration, Dr. Shinde serves as Assistant Professor and Ph.D Guide at D. Y. Patil Agriculture and Technical University, Talsande. He has authored 23 research-review papers, 200 english-marathi popular articles, three books, over fifteen book chapters and holds two published patents.

He has received 53 national and state-level awards, including recognitions conferred in the presence of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and distinctions from the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra. His accolades include the Krishibhushan Puraskar, Maharashtra Ratna Puraskar, Krushi Ratna Puraskar, Young Extension Worker Award and awards for innovative teaching using modern pedagogical tools.

Dr. Shinde has also served as Organizer/Coordinator for numerous workshops, national webinars, training programs, value-added courses and FDPs. He is a member of 24 institutional committees, a Lifetime Member of 8 scientific societies and a Professional Member of 10 organisations. His work focuses on integrating AI, DSS tools and farmer-centric technologies for sustainable agricultural transformation.