Biography: Dr. Dhruba Raj Bhattarai is a Senior Scientist and Chief at the National Agricultural Environment Research Centre, Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC). He earned his B.Sc. in Agriculture from CCS University, Meerut, India in 1998, his M.Sc. in Horticulture from TU/Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS) in 2003, and his PhD in Vegetable Science from Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan, Himachal, India in 2010 under a SAARC Scholarship. Dr. Bhattarai has served NARC in various capacities, including as Chief of the National Outreach Research Centre, Director of Crop & Horticulture, and led the organization as the Executive Director. With over 25 years of experience in climate-smart horticulture, vegetable breeding, and postharvest technology, he has released two varieties of cauliflower and turnip and researched real-ground farmers’ issues of post-harvest loss and climate-resilient technologies. He has led numerous research projects funded by the Nepal government, USAID, SDC, World Vegetable Centre, and DFID. In the course of time, he has visited 23 countries and collaborated with various international organizations. Additionally, he has worked as a consultant for Oxfam International, Winrock International, GIZ, SNV/ANSAB, and UMN (United Mission to Nepal). Dr. Bhattarai has participated in and presented papers at numerous national and international symposia, conferences, workshops, and seminars. He has over 150 publications, including 14 books. Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dhruba-Bhattarai Research Interest: Climate-smart horticulture, post-harvest technology, and vegetable breeding