Prof. (Dr.) J. Kumar is an acclaimed plant pathologist with over four decades of distinguished contributions in research, education, and academic leadership.

He earned his M.Sc. and Ph.D. from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar (1975–1983), followed by postdoctoral research and Project Scientist roles at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines (1993–1996). He served as Professor & Head, Director of the Centre of Advanced Faculty Training in Plant Pathology, Dean (Agriculture), and Vice-Chancellor at GBPUAT, Pantnagar; Director (Research) at Uttaranchal University of Horticulture & Forestry, Ranichauri; Vice-Chancellor & Pro-Chancellor of Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun; and currently Vice-Chancellor of Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Dehradun.

An internationally recognized scientist, Dr. Kumar was a Visiting Scientist at IRRI (1997, 1998, 2001, 2002), Cornell University, USA (1999, 2000), and INRA, France (2004). He successfully led ~20 national and international competitive research projects, including multi-institutional programmes. His pioneering research on mango malformation, apple scab, and rice blast pathogen population mapping using DNA markers is widely cited. He developed an innovative seed biopriming technology using Trichoderma harzianum, contributed to the release of four small millet varieties, and holds nine patents.

Dr. Kumar has published over 120 refereed papers in high-impact international and national journals and mentored 24 M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, many of whom received national awards. His exemplary contributions have been honoured with prestigious awards including the Prof. M. J. Narasimhan Academic Merit Award, Jawaharlal Nehru Award (ICAR), Pesticide India Award, Rockefeller Foundation Biotechnology Career Fellowship, Plant Pathology Leadership Award, K. C. Mehta & Manoranjan Mitra Award, Dr. T. S. Thind Lifetime Achievement Award, Uttarakhand Ratan Award, Uttarakhand Ratan Shri, and Fellowship of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS).

Dr. Kumar continues to serve on several governing bodies and professional societies as advisor and member, shaping the future of agricultural sciences in India.