The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association presented Sanjay Shukla with its 2023 Researcher of the Year Award during FFVA’s 79th annual convention last month at The Ritz-Carlton in Naples.
Photo courtesy of FFVA
The Researcher of the Year Award is given to deserving individuals who have dedicated themselves and their work to improving Florida agriculture.
Shukla is a professor in the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in Immokalee. He has become well-known among vegetable growers throughout the state for his ongoing efforts in re-evaluating phosphorus fertilization Best Management Practices (BMPs).
“Dr. Sanjay Shukla’s unwavering dedication to advancing agricultural research has made him a true asset to growers,” said Elizabeth Malek, Lipman Family Farms crop protection assistant manager and FFVA Research, Extension and Education Committee chair. “His pioneering work exemplifies the spirit of innovation and excellence that the FFVA Researcher of the Year Award seeks to honor. We are proud to recognize Dr. Shukla’s exceptional contributions to Florida agriculture, and we look forward to witnessing the continued impact of his research on our industry.”
Shukla joined the University of Florida in 2000. He has published 62 refereed journal articles, authored 30 peer-reviewed extension articles, and more than 60 technical reports. To support his research, he has received more than $13 million in funding since 2001 from state and federal agencies, local citrus and vegetable growers, and commodity groups including the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association and others.
Shukla developed the novel compact bed geometry (CBG) system, designed to improve the system efficiency of plasticulture. The system still figures prominently among his impacts on the vegetable industry.
Source: FFVA