Pearlmillet Breeding

Dr. Shravan Kumar Sharma
Assistant Professor (Genetics & Plant Breeding)
Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (RARI), Durgapura
Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University (SKNAU), Jobner
Dr. Shravan Kumar Sharma is an accomplished plant breeder and academician specializing in Genetics and Plant Breeding, with significant contributions to pearl millet and barley improvement in arid and semi-arid regions of India. He is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (RARI), Durgapura, SKNAU, Jobner.
Dr. Sharma completed his Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from RAU, Bikaner (2007), followed by a Master’s degree (2010) and Ph.D. (2021) in Plant Breeding & Genetics from Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University (SKRAU), Bikaner. He qualified the prestigious ICAR-NET (Genetics & Plant Breeding) examination conducted by ASRB, New Delhi, in 2021.
His doctoral research titled “Genetic Architecture and Stability Analysis for Grain Yield and its Contributing Characters in Barley [Hordeum vulgare (L.)]” focused on yield stability and genetic improvement strategies in barley under varying environmental conditions.
Professional Experience
Dr. Sharma began his professional career as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF) in the AICRP on Pearl Millet at RARI, Durgapura in July 2016. He served in this capacity until March 2023 before being appointed as Assistant Professor in July 2023.
He has also actively contributed to off-season nursery programs at ICRISAT, Hyderabad, during 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023, 2024 and 2025 strengthening hybrid development and breeding programs.
Research Contributions
Dr. Sharma has made remarkable contributions in the development and release of high-yielding pearl millet hybrids. He has been associated with the development and release of the following hybrids:
• RHB-223 (2018) – National Release & Notification
• RHB-233 (2019) – National Release & Notification
• RHB-234 (2019) – National Release & Notification
• RHB-228 (2021) – State Release & Notification
• RHB-273 (2025) – National Release & Notification
These hybrids have significantly contributed to enhancing productivity and resilience in pearl millet cultivation, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
Publications and Academic Contributions
Dr. Sharma has published extensively in reputed national and international journals, including Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding, Environment and Ecology, Biological Forum, and The Pharma Innovation. His research focuses on:
• Genetic diversity analysis
• Combining ability and heterosis studies
• Stability analysis
• Gene action and yield component analysis
• Drought tolerance studies
• Biofortification (grain iron and zinc content)
In addition to research papers, he has authored and co-authored books on seed science and quality seed production, including:
• Seed: At a Glance (2023)
• Seed Spices: Post Harvest Technology and Processing (2023)
• Seed Certification and Standards for Quality Seed Production (2023)
• Principles of Quality Seed Production (2023)
Awards and Recognition
He has been associated with the Best AICRP on Pearl Millet Center Award (ICAR) for consecutive years (2019–20 and 2020–21), reflecting his active contribution to coordinated research programs.
Areas of Expertise
• Hybrid breeding in Pearl Millet and Barley
• Combining ability and heterosis breeding
• Stability and adaptability analysis
• Seed production and quality assurance
• Genetic improvement under moisture stress conditions