Principal Scientist (Horticulture)
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Dr. R.G. Somkuwar
Principal Scientist (Horticulture) |
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He completed his Ph.D. in Horticulture from Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during the year 1992. He has received ICAR Senior Fellowship during 1989-1992.
Dr. R. G. Somkuwar is presently working as Principal Scientist in the discipline of horticulture.
He has started his research carrier as Scientist in IIHR, Bangalore (1993-1996) and worked on screening on onion germplasm for resistance to basal rot and associated with the project of breeding of legumes. He has seven varieties in his credit as he was associated in the breeding project.
He was transferred to National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune during 1996. He has 15 years of research experience in the field of viticulture. His current area of research predominantly focuses on canopy management in table and wine grapes. He is also working on propagation aspects of grape rootstock and studied the propagation techniques for multiplication of rootstock. He has worked on fruitfulness aspects of table grapes in relation to different rootstocks and was associated with the use of bio- regulators in production of export quality grapes.
During the earlier period, he was mainly involved in infrastructure development and was responsible in establishing 35 acre area of grapes presently being used for research purpose.
Dr. R. G. Somkuwar has published more than 60 research papers on various aspects of viticulture in national and international journal.
In recognition to his research contributions and the transfer of technology to the grape growers through extension work, he has been given many awards by different organizations.
1. Ph.D. in Horticulture from Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during the period of 1989-1992 in the area of vegetable breeding.
On-going
as Principal Investigator
1. Standardization of propagation techniques in grapes (April 2008 – March 2013)
2. Standardization of wine varieties for yield and quality wine under Indian condition April, 2011 – March, 2016.
3. Standardization of cultural practices to increase quality yield of wine grapes April, 2010 – March, 2015.
As Co-Investigator
1. Judicious use of bio regulators in grapes (2009- 2014)
2. Standardization of pre harvest factors for improving the quality of red wines. (2008-2013)
Completed Projects:
As Principal Investigator
1. Standardization of canopy architecture to maximize the production of
quality grapes (2000- 2006)
2. Evaluation of different rootstocks for salinity and drought tolerance (January, 2000 – February, 2007) As PI from 2001-2004
3. Source: sink in relation to different canopy architecture in Tas-A-Ganesh grapes (April, 2007-March, 2012)
4. An investigation into basic mechanism of rootstocks on commercially important viticultural traits in table grapevine (2008-2010)
As Co-Investigator
1. Evaluation of different rootstocks for salinity and drought tolerance (January, 2000 – February, 2007) from 2004-2007
2. “Effect of Bio- regulator on productivity and quality of grapes grafted on rootstock (2000-2006).
3. Developing petiole nutrient guide for Cabernet Sauvignon grapes (2008-2014)
1. In- charge, Farm (1997- 2004)
2. In- charge, Estate (2003-2004)
3. In- charge, Exhibition (2005-2006)
4. In- charge, Nursery (2003- till date)
5. Member, Institute Management Committee (2000- 2001)
6. Member, Institute Joint Staff Council (2006-2007)
7. Member, Internal Resource Generation Scheme, 2005-2006
8. Licence officer
9. Member of Departmental Promotion committee
1. गोडवा कृषि मासिक
2. द्राक्षवृत्त, Grape growers Association, Maharashtra.
3. कृषिभूषण मासिक, Pune
4. बळीराजा Krishi Magazine, Pune
5. शेतकरी मासिक, Pune
Visited France during 2nd to 12th December, 2008 to study the nursery practices followed in grapes and also wine grape cultivation.
Training acquired on:
1. 42nd Foundation Course for ARS Scientists at NAARM, Hyderabad (1992)
2. Physiology & Bio-chemistry of fruit crops during 13th November - 12th December 2000 organized by Centre for Advanced Studies, Department of Horticulture, MPKV, Rahuri.
3. Recent Advances in Herbicide use Research during 24th July - 2nd August 2000 organized by Division of Agronomy IARI, New Delhi.
4. Refresher course on MS Word at IASRI, New Delhi, during the year 2003.
Training given on:
1. Establishment of new grape vineyard.
2. Importance of use of grape rootstock in vineyard establishment.
3. Canopy management practices to minimize the diseases in grapes in double pruning system.
4. Cultural practices followed during back pruning for effective fruitfulness in grapes.
5. Cultural practices followed during fruit pruning for the production of export quality grapes.
Training organized as coordinator:
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Sl. No. |
Name of the training program |
Period |
No. of participants |
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1. |
Ensuring Fruitfulness in Grapes |
1st to 4th April, 2004 |
21 |
|
2. |
Management of Bud for Appropriate Production and Quality |
25th Sept.,2004 |
8 |
|
3. |
Establishment of New Vineyard |
20th to 21st Feb., 2006 |
19 |
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4. |
Transfer of Technology for Production of Export Quality Grapes |
8th to 9th Sept., 2009 |
18 |
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5. |
Advances in grafting, training, pruning and package of practices in grapes |
1st to 7th Nov., 2009 |
5 |
|
6. |
Grapevine Cultivation and its Value Added Products |
21st to 24th March,2011 |
24 |
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7. |
Training Program for Wine Grape Growers and Wine Units |
3rd Dec., 2011 |
61 |
i) Scientist of the Year (2005) by NESA (National Environmental Science Academy, New Delhi) for contribution in the field of viticulture.
ii) Abhinav Gaurav (2006) by Abhinav Grape Growers Association, Junnar (Pune Dist.) for contribution in the field of Viticulture.
iii) Bhaskar Award (2007) by Journalist Foundation of Pune for contribution in writings for the benefits of farmers.
iv) V. B. Rahudkar award by BALIRAJA (2007) for Marathi Book “Techniques in Grape Production” (2007).
v) Vasantrao Naik Agril. Scientist Award (2009) by H’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra Sh. Ashokrao Chavan for contribution in the field of viticulture.
vi) Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Puraskar (2009) by Bhartiya Krushak Samaj at Nasik on 29th November, 2009 for his contribution in the field of agriculture.
vii) Sahyadri Krishi Puraskar (2009) by the Government of Maharashtra State for
best extension service for the farmers in the field of grape cultivation.
viii) Rashtriya Ekatmata Fellowship (2010) from Bharatiya Samaj Vikas Academy, Mumbai on 27.09.2010 at Pune.
ix) Best Citizen Award (2011) by International Publication house, New Delhi during 2011.
Publications (Click for details)
Email: rgsgrapes@gmail.com and rgsomkuwar@yahoo.co.in
Phone: 91-20-26956060 (O), +91-9422032988
Postal Address
National Research Centre for Grapes, P.B. No. 3, Manjri Farm Post, Solapur Road, Pune - 412 307, Maharashtra, India.