Tenure as Director: 29.07.2002 to 06.11.2007

Dr. S D Shikhamany was born on 15 June 1947. India's foremost authority on grape research and viticulture, he joined IIHR in 1970 and devoted his entire career to advancing viticulture science. Before becoming Director of IIHR, he served as the First Director of the National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune (1997–2002).

Qualifications

• B.Sc. Agriculture — Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU), Hyderabad (1968)
• M.Sc. Horticulture — APAU (1970)
• Ph.D. Horticulture — University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore (1983)

Career History

• Senior Research Assistant, IIHR, Bangalore (1970–1974)
• Junior Horticulturist / Scientist S-1, IIHR (1974–1976)
• Scientist S-2, S-3 / Principal Scientist, IIHR — Grape Research Programme
• Head, Division of Fruit Crops, IIHR (1994–1997)
• First Director, National Research Centre for Grapes (NRC Grapes), Pune (1997–2002)
• Director, IIHR, Bangalore (July 2002 – November 2007)

Research Contributions

Dr. Shikhamany dedicated over three decades to grape research and viticulture development in India. His scientific work on canopy management, irrigation, and production technology for Thompson Seedless grapes became the backbone of India's growing commercial viticulture sector in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. He developed improved grape varieties and rootstocks suited to tropical and subtropical conditions, and trained hundreds of farmers and scientists in modern viticulture practices.

Awards & Recognition

• Gold Medal — Andhra Pradesh Grape Growers' Association (1992)
• Vasantrao Arve Memorial Award for Eminent Scientist in Grape (2000)
• Indian Representative on ISHS (International Society for Horticultural Science) Council
• FAO Consultant — Nigeria Viticulture Project
• President, Society for Promotion of Horticulture