Dr.Megna Rashid Bakshi

@skuastkashmir.ac.in

Assistant Professor Division of Silviculture and Agroforestry Faculty of Forestry
SKUAST-Kashmir

EDUCATION

Ph.D Agroforestry

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Forestry, Forestry
12

Scopus Publications

449

Scholar Citations

10

Scholar h-index

13

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Exploration of green house gas emissions, avoided deforestation potential and carbon trade: insights from prominent agroforestry systems of Indian Himalaya
    Iqra Farooq, Nazir A. Pala, G. M. Bhat, Megna Rashid, P. A. Sofi, Peerzada Ishtiyak Ahmad, A. R. Malik, J. A. Mugloo, Shaista Khan, M. Maqbool Rather, Eranbemo Ovung, Shiekh Marifatul Haq
    Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2026
    The present study is reported from the central region of Indian Kashmir Himalayas with the aim of (i) identifying and documenting tree species in the agroforestry systems along with the preferred usage, (ii) quantifying green house gas (GHG) emissions and avoided deforestation potential, and (iii) assessing biomass and carbon stock for their trade potential. Purposive, multi-stage, and random sampling procedures were followed for the selection of sampling units based on the availability of agroforestry land use systems. A total of 19 tree species belonging to 9 families and 12 genera were documented. Species like Populus deltoides, Populus nigra, Salix alba, and Salix fragilis were found to be highly preferred for fuelwood, fodder, and small timber extraction. The total green house gas (GHG) emission potential of this extracted material is 64.35 tC and 235.95 tCO 2 , with the maximum CO 2 emission from Salix alba (28.05 tCO 2 ). A total quantity of 143 quintals of biomass is extracted annually from the 19 tree species utilized for fuelwood, fodder, and small timber, resulting in an average avoided deforestation potential of 75.26 m 3 . The highest offset value of US$ 1492.79/Mg was recorded for Horti-silvi-pastoral systems, followed by Homegardens (US$ 1414.51/Mg), and the minimum offset value of US$ 626.38/Mg was recorded for Boundary plantations. On an average, a single sampled household helps to sequester 4.7 Mg of carbon annually in the present study. Therefore, a cluster-based approach by bundling villages together in the entire Ganderbal district would result in approximately sequestering 213,196 Mg CO 2 e and hence would yield US$ 536,620 per annum. The present study's estimation of carbon stock and carbon offset values could act as a baseline for the future implementation of CDM, REDD, and REDD++ projects in J&K.
  • Comparative Pomological and Biochemical Characterization of Indigenous Walnut (Juglans regia) Genotypes from Temperate Region
    Javid Iqbal Mir, Mohammad Irfan, Uzma Rashid, Salwee Javid, M. Rashid, O. C. Sharma, Wasim Hassan Raja, Sajad Un Nabi, M. K. Verma, Nora M. Al Aboud, Khairiah Mubarak Alwutayd, Sheikh Mansoor
    Applied Fruit Science, 2025
  • Multi-scale processes influencing global carbon storage and land-carbon-climate nexus: A critical review
    Owais Ali WANI, Shamal Shasang KUMAR, Nazir HUSSAIN, Anas Ibni Ali WANI, Subhash BABU, Parvej ALAM, Megna RASHID, Simona Mariana POPESCU, Sheikh MANSOOR
    Pedosphere, 2023
  • Influence of different treatments and techniques on rooting behaviour of Rhododendron arboreum Sm. In Indian Himalayas
    Peerzada Ishtiyak Ahmad, Lokho Puni, Rajiv Pandey, Nazir A. Pala, M. Maqbool Rather, Megna Rashid, A.R. Malik
    Acta Ecologica Sinica, 2021
  • Trees outside forest (TOFs) aids in mitigating global climatic change through carbon sequestration: Example from academic institutional landscapes
    Bisleshna Tamang, Nazir A. Pala, Gopal Shukla, Megna Rashid, M. Maqbool Rather, Jahangeer A. Bhat, T.H. Masoodi, Sumit Chakravarty
    Acta Ecologica Sinica, 2021
  • Agroforestry as a Tool for Biodiversity Conservation, Carbon Sequestration and Sustainable Livelihood Development
    Sustainable Farming, 2021
  • Ethnobotanical utilization of forest resources in sindh forest of kashmir himalaya, india
    Muneesa Banday, M.A. Islam, Nazir A. Pala, Megna Rashid, Zubair A. Malik, Peerzada Ishtiyak, M. Maqbool Ratyher, Rainer W Bussmann
    Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 2021
    Background: This study was focused on the ethnobotany of Manasbal range of the Sindh Forest Division of Jammu and Kashmir (India) to assess, document and to provide a comprehensive inventory of plants used by the people of this rural area. Such an investigation and documentation along with the associated traditional knowledge are crucial to raise the socio-economic status of underprivileged population in this rural area and for the conservation of biological resources.Methods: Multi-stage random sampling technique was employed in the selection of villages and respondents for the household survey. Interview schedules for both village as well as respondents’ survey were prepared based on literature referred, reconnaissance survey of the study area, and discussion with local people/ consultation with the experts.Results: A total of 135 plant species belonging to 121 genera and 58 families were being utilized as forest resources. The family Compositae had the highest representation with 13 species followed by Leguminaceae (11) and Poaceae (10). Fourteen different use categories of forest resources were reported. The forest species collected by the people were mostly herbs (103) followed by trees (18), shrubs (12) and climbers (2). The maximum number of species (54) was utilized as medicine, followed by fodder (51), vegetables (18), fuelwood and (16) edible fruits.Conclusion: The present study confirmed that the Manasbal range of the Sindh Forest Division is an interesting area for the study of traditional plant use. This study further suggests that the local denizens have an in-depth knowledge of use of local plant resources and that these exploit diverse NTFPs substantially to support their day-to-day needs. Hence, livelihood diversification through forestry interventions using existing resources is needed as important strategy of poverty reduction and socioeconomic development of backward local people. The study has documented the baseline data for further studies in the field of ethnobotany, medicinal plants, and ethno-pharmacologyKeywords: Ethnobotany; Forest; Livelihood; Resources; Edible; Medicinal
  • Genetic variability studies for various morphological and quality traits in apple
    J.I. Mir, Aarifa Jan, Megna Rashid, D.B. Singh, W.H. Raja, O.C. Sharma, A. Sharma, S. Lal, K.L. Kumawat, Sajad Un Nabi, Lal Chand
    Indian Journal of Horticulture, 2020
    The present investigation was carried out to study the genetic variability among 120 apple cultivars for qualitative and quantitative traits. The apple cultivars showed a considerable genetic diversity with respect to qualitative and quantitative characters. Spreading type of growth habit was found in 84.16% of cultivars while 55% cultivars showed mixed bearing habit, i.e. on both shoots and spurs. Flower traits like color at balloon stage, position of anthers with respect to stigma and arrangement of petals varied among the apple cultivars. The highest average fruit weight (340.10 g) was recorded in Maharaji (White Dotted Red), while the lowest fruit weight of 1.30g was recorded in CITH-A-MB-03. Fruit firmness ranged from 44.59 RI in Tydeman's Early Worcester to 91.70 RI in M. simcoe and TSS ranged from 9.50oB in Winter Commercial to 28.80oB in CITH-A-MB-01. With respect to fruit colour, “L” values ranged from 22.05 (CITH-A-MB-03) to 76.55 (Anannas Retrine) and 55 cultivars were found to possess light colour with ‘L’ values less than 50. Negative “a” values were recorded in 19 apple cultivars and all the green cultivars with negative ‘a’ values had higher L*, b* and hue values. The cluster analysis grouped 120 genotypes into five distant clusters at 0.70 average distances. Cluster I included three genotypes (Maharaji, Kirkitchoo, EC-239451), whereas maximum number of genotypes (45) were represented by Cluster II and cluster IV, comprising six wild apple cultivars. Correlation studies revealed that fruit weight was positively correlated with firmness but showed negative correlation with TSS where as firmness showed positive correlation with fruit weight and TSS. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed the variability contribution of PC1, PC2 and PC3 to be 46, 35 and 18%, respectively, with PC1 mainly represented by fruit weight and firmness, PC2 by firmness and TSS and PC3 by fruit weight and TSS. The PCA and clustering analysis in this study indicated a high level of diversity in the apple genotypes.
  • Biological Efficacy of Essential Oils and Plant Extracts of Cultivated and Wild Ecotypes of Origanum vulgare L.
    Sumira Jan, Megna Rashid, Elsayed F. Abd_Allah, Parvaiz Ahmad
    Biomed Research International, 2020
    Current study describes discrepancy in biological efficacy of methanolic and ethanolic extracts and essential oil procured from cultivated and wild accessions of Origanum vulgare. Simultaneously, quantification of carvacrol, thymol, caryophyllene, ocimene, and terpinen-4-ol contents was determined via GC-MS and GC in both accessions. The results revealed significantly a higher antioxidant potential by methanolic extracts displaying IC50 of 19.9 μg/ml compared to essential oil with IC50 of 10 μg/ml, and ethanolic extracts were found to be less effective even at the concentration of 3 μg/ml. However, essential oil from wild and cultivated accessions of O. vulgare exhibited significantly high antimicrobial activity against all 39 bacteria, 16 fungi, and 2 yeast species tested due to higher concentrations of carvacrol and thymol as revealed by GC analysis. Inhibition of tyrosinase activity in a C6 cell line displayed 81.0%–87.0% depigmentation potential of the methanolic extracts, while ethanolic extracts revealed a maximum of 88.54–99.02% inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in H2O2-treated cells. Hence, the study determines efficacy of essential oil against microbial pathogenesis, methanolic extracts as potent depigmentation agents, and ethanolic extracts as potent free radical scavenger.
  • Distinctiveness, uniformity and stability testing of apricot genotypes based on morphological traits
    J.I. Mir, S. Naqash, M. Rashid, D.B. Singh, O.C. Sharma, A. Sharma, K.L. Kumawat, W.H. Raja, S. U. Nabi, L. Masoodi, M.A. Sheikh, S.N. Kirmani
    Indian Journal of Horticulture, 2019
    Apricot is a stone fruit of the family Rosaceae (order Rosales), closely related to peaches, almonds, plums, and cherries. Apricots are cultivated throughout the temperate regions of the world. In the present study, 17 apricot genotypes were characterized for 32 morphological traits with respect to distinctiveness; uniformity and stability (DUS) test guidelines. The results displayed a high level of variability among all the genotypes. The fruit characteristics such as fruit size, shape, fruit volume, flesh and skin color which determines the quality and marketability of apricot exhibited huge variation. Moreover, the results displayed suggest that description of these varieties based on notes may be used as reference for protection of new varieties under PPV&FRA rules and can be used for comparison against new candidate varieties.
  • Morphological characterization of walnut genotypes of diverse origin
    J.I. Mir, N. Ahmed, D.B. Singh, Megna Rashid, S.R. Singh, O.C. Sharma, S. Lal, Anil Sharma
    Indian Journal of Horticulture, 2018
  • Effect of nitrogen fertilizer with mushroom compost of varied C:N ratio on nitrogen use efficiency, carbon sequestration and rice yield
    Communications in Biometry and Crop Science, 2009

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Next gen Agriculture transforming indian farming with smart technologies and sustainble innovations
    MMM Rashid
    AGRI INDIA TODAY 6 (4), 253-255 , 2026
    2026
  • Assessment of Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Properties of Lavender under Apple- Based Agroforestry in Kashmir
    MMSS Talib Nazir*, Megna Rashid, Anayet Gull, GM Bhat, Maqbool Rather, JI Mir
    Journal of Medicinal Plants and Herbs 4, 1-10 , 2026
    2026
  • Soil Health and Carbon Stock Enhancement through Fruit Tree-based Agroforestry in the Degraded Lands of Central Kashmir Himalayas
    MRSS Beenish Fayaz, GM Bhat, Vaishnu Dutt, Nazir A Pala
    International Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology, 1-7 , 2026
    2026
  • Exploration of green house gas emissions, avoided deforestation potential and carbon trade: insights from prominent agroforestry systems of Indian Himalaya
    I Farooq, NA Pala, GM Bhat, M Rashid, PA Sofi, PI Ahmad, AR Malik, ...
    Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 9, 1707961 , 2026
    2026
    Citations: 1
  • Integrated Morphological, Phenotypic, and Biochemical Profiling of Juglans regia Genotypes within Agroforestry Systems of North Western Himalaya
    MR Baksh, M Bakshi
    2026
  • Growth Dynamics of pulses and fruit and trees in fruit- based Agroforestry on degraded lands of central Kashmir Himalayas
    VDB G.M.Bhat, Sufiya Shabir,Megna Rashid,N.A.Pala
    Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability 11 (2023), 67-75 , 2025
    2025
  • Integrated morphological, phenotypic, and biochemical profiling of Juglans regia genotypes within agroforestry systems of the north-western Himalaya
    MMSS Asima Gazi, Megna Rashid*, G.M. Bhat, M. Maqbool Rather, J.I Mir, Iqbal ...
    Indian Journal of Agroforestry 27 (4), 89-100 , 2025
    2025
  • Indigenous Forestry Resources in Leh Himalaya, India: Utilization and Significance for Agricultural Support and Bioenergy Security
    FAS Khan, MA Islam, AA Parrey, GM Bhat, MR Bakshi, RA Mir
    Journal of Experimental Agriculture International 47 (11), 476-485 , 2025
    2025
  • Diversity and Utilization of Forestry Fodder Resources for Livestock Production in Rural Leh Himalaya, India
    RAMKA F.A. Shah Khan , M.A. Islam , Aafaq A. Parrey , G.M. Bhat , Megna ...
    Archives of Current Research International 25 (11), 195-205 , 2025
    2025
  • Vegetation Structure and Diversity Analysis in the Manigam Block of Lidder Forest Division of Kashmir
    A Akhter, GM Bhat, PA Khan, V Dutt, JA Mugloo, MI Jeelani, MR Bakshi, ...
    International Journal of Bio-Resource and Stress Management 16 (Aug, 8) , 2025
    2025
  • Comparative Pomological and Biochemical Characterization of Indigenous Walnut ( Juglans regia ) Genotypes from Temperate Region
    JI Mir, M Irfan, U Rashid, S Javid, M Rashid, OC Sharma, WH Raja, ...
    Applied Fruit Science 67 (3), 119 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 4
  • Floristic Diversity and Biological Spectrum in Urban and Peri-urban Areas of Ganderbal, Kashmir
    M Rashid
    Indian Journal of Ecology 52 (2), 293-299 , 2025
    2025
  • VARIATION IN MORPHOMETRIC TRAITS OF FRUITS AND SEEDS OF MORUS ALBA L.
    R Muzafar, MM Rather, PA Khan, AA Mir, M Rashid, MI Jeelani
    Plant Archives 25 (1), 2519-2524 , 2025
    2025
  • Socioeconomic determinants of livelihood dependence on forestry resources in Leh Himalaya, India
    FA Khan, MA Islam, AA Gatoo, GM Bhat, AA Parrey, MR Bakshi, U Atta
    Journal of Scientific Research and Reports 30 (12), 494-502 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 4
  • Factors Promoting and Impeding Diversification of Forestry Resource-based Livelihoods in the Leh Himalaya of Ladakh Union Territory, India
    UAC F.A. Shah Khan, M.A. Islam*, A.A. Gatoo, G.M. Bhat, A.A. Parrey, M.R. Bakshi
    Journal of Experimental Agriculture International 46 (9), 804-812 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 1
  • Diversity and Utilization of Forestry Resources for Enhancing Household Food Security in the Leh Himalaya, India
    UAC F.A. Shah Khan, M.A. Islam, A.A. Gatoo, G.M. Bhat, A.A. Parrey c, M.R ...
    Archives of Current Research Internationa 24 (9), 108-118 , 2024
    2024
  • Factors influencing adoption of agroforestry systems in Ladakh region
    TARVDAP Shanaz Fatima, GM Bhat, MA Islam, Megna Rashid, NA Pala
    International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development 7 (7 … , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 2
  • Envisioning the Future of Intelligent Horticulture: A Theoretical Exploration of Deep Learning's Transformative Potential
    BSKA Nazir N, Khalil A, Rashid M Asif M, Pandith A, Malik RA, Gulzar U
    Acta Scientific Veterinary Sciences (ISSN: 2582-3183) 6 (7), 36-44 , 2024
    2024
  • Potential Deforestation and Greenhouse Gas Emission from Tree Based Land Use Systems in Kashmir Himalayas
    PAS Nazir Ahmad Pala , Iqra Farooq , Gulam Mohidun Bhat , Iqbal Jeelani ...
    International Journal of Biosciences 182 (2024), 123-125 , 2024
    2024
  • Exploration of the socioeconomic conditions of forestry farmers in Leh Himalaya, India
    FA KHAN, MA Islam, AA Gatoo, GM Bhat, AA Parrey, MR Bakshi, U Atta
    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL 7 (11S), 27-32 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 3

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Multi-scale processes influencing global carbon storage and land-carbon-climate nexus: A critical review
    OA Wani, SS Kumar, N Hussain, AIA Wani, S Babu, P Alam, M Rashid, ...
    Pedosphere 33 (2), 250-267 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 98
  • Biological Efficacy of Essential Oils and Plant Extracts of Cultivated and Wild Ecotypes of Origanum vulgare L.
    PA Sumira Jan, Megna Rashid, Elsayed F. Abd_Allah
    BioMed Research International 2020 (1), 1-16 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 53
  • Effect of nitrogen fertilizer with mushroom compost of varied C: N ratio on nitrogen use efficiency, carbon sequestration and rice yield.
    SR Dar, T Thomas, IM Khan, JC Dagar, A Qadar, M Rashid
    Communications in Biometry & Crop Science 4 (1) , 2009
    2009
    Citations: 22
  • Ethnobotanical utilization of forest resources in Sindh Forest of Kashmir Himalaya, India
    NA Pala, M Banday, MA Islam, M Rashid, ZA Malik, RW Bussmann
    Ethnobotany Research and Applications 21, 1-18 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 20
  • Trees outside forest (TOFs) aids in mitigating global climatic change through carbon sequestration: Example from academic institutional landscapes
    B Tamang, NA Pala, G Shukla, M Rashid, MM Rather, JA Bhat, ...
    Acta Ecologica Sinica 41 (4), 351-357 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 19
  • Effects of IBA and GA3 on Rangpur lime (Citrus limonia Osbeck)
    M Ahmad, SH Wani, JI Mir, DB Singh, OC Sharma, SU Nabi, D Bashir, ...
    Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 7 (1), 1559-1561 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 16
  • Indigenous medicinal practices of Ocimum basilicum L. in rural Kashmir
    FASRAB GM Bhat, Huzaifa Majeed, MA Islam, TA Rather, Megna Bakshi
    Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 9 (5), 1876-1881 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 13
  • Morphological characterization of walnut genotypes of diverse origin
    JI Mir, N Ahmed, DB Singh, M Rashid, SR Singh, OC Sharma, S Lal, ...
    Indian Journal of Horticulture 75 (2), 172-176 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 13
  • Walnut
    N Ahmad, SR Singh, M Bakshi, H Mir
    Fruit production in India. Narendra Publishing House, New Delhi, 661-672 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 12
  • Livelihood security and forest resource extraction by forest fringe communities in Indian Himalayan Region
    M Banday, MA Islam, NA Pala, M Rashid, PI Ahmad, MM Rather, R Raja
    Diversity and dynamics in forest ecosystems, 163-194 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 11
  • Regulation of Phytochemical Properties of Hawthorn: A Crataegus Species
    J Rafeeq, KN Qaisar, PA Khan, JA Mugloo, A Singh, I Hassan, JI Mir, ...
    Genetic Manipulation of Secondary Metabolites in Medicinal Plant, 179-203 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 10
  • Influence of intercropping on soil properties and nutrient status of fruit based agroforestry systems in north western region of Indian Himalaya
    MRPAK Shiba Zahoor, Vaishnu Dutt, A. H. Mughal, Nazir. A. Pala
    Indian Journal of Agroforestry 24 (1), 85-92 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 10
  • Effect of salinity, sodicity, Zn and Cu on concentration of micronutrients in rice
    M Rashid
    Pak. J. Soil Sci 12, 111-117 , 1996
    1996
    Citations: 10
  • Genetic variability studies for various morphological and quality traits in apple
    SUNLC J.I. Mir, Aarifa Jan* , Megna Rashid, D.B. Singh, W.H. Raja, O.C ...
    Indian Journal of Horticulture. 77 (2), 227-236 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 9
  • Effect of root trainers size on quality of seedling production of Jatropha carcus
    M Rashid, M Rasool, SB Lal, L Masoodi, S Mehboob
    Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 7 (1), 1551-1554 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 9
  • Traditional agroforestry systems practiced in Leh district of Ladakh union terriority-India
    S Fatima, GM Bhat, MA Islam, TA Rather, M Rashid, MU Dar
    Pharma Innov 11 (9), 2946-2952 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 7
  • Floristic Diversity along Altitudinal Gradient in Shopian Forest Range of J & K, India
    NAPANDMR JAVEED A. MUGLOO, MIR ADIL
    Indian Forester 147 (5), 449-454 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 7
  • Economic Contribution to Household Dependence through Ocimum basilicum L. Cultivation: An Important Plant for Health and Livelihood Security in Kashmir Valley (J & K), India
    NAPSF G. M. Bhat, Huzaifa Majeed , M. A. Islam , Megna Rashid
    Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology 39 (44), 8-14 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 7
  • Mechanical transplantation of paddy
    Z Rashid, S Rasool, M Rashid, S Inamullah
    Intensive Agriculture 12 (6), 1820 , 2010
    2010
    Citations: 7
  • Influence of different treatments and techniques on rooting behaviour of Rhododendron arboreum Sm. In Indian Himalayas
    PI Ahmad, L Puni, R Pandey, NA Pala, MM Rather, M Rashid, AR Malik
    Acta Ecologica Sinica 41 (4), 332-335 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 6

Publications

10.31080/

RESEARCH OUTPUTS (PATENTS, SOFTWARE, PUBLICATIONS, PRODUCTS)

1 Walnut variety CITH-W-1: A. A. SOFI, M K VERMA, N AHMED, R K VERMA, D B; SINGH, DINESH KUMAR, A H PANDIT, H A BHAT, O C SHARMA, J I MIR, MEGNA RASHID, LAL CHAND & WAJIDA SHAFI; Registered by PPV & FRA No. 255 of 2019
2 Walnut variety CITH-W-2: A. A. SOFI, M K VERMA, N AHMED, R K VERMA, D B SINGH, M A MIR, SHAZIA SHAH, J I MIR, LAL CHAND & MEGNA RASHID; Registered by PPV and FRA No. 256 of 2019
3 Walnut variety CITH-W-4: A. A. SOFI, M K VERMA, N AHMED, R K VERMA, D B SINGH, DINESH KUMAR, A H PANDIT, H A BHAT, O C SHARMA, J I MIR, S R SINGH, SHIV LAL, LAL CHAND, MEGNA RASHID & WAJIDA SHAFI; Registered by PPV and FRA No. 258 of 2019

Industry, Institute, or Organisation Collaboration

Visting Associate Lecture:Institute for Intergrated and Intelligent systems .Griffith University Nathan campus Australia