Dr Sharma obtained his doctoral degree in plant pathology from YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan (HP) and started his career as Assistant Professor at GB Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. Later, he joined ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla as Senior Scientist in 2009. His major fields of interest are population biology, epidemiology, diagnosis and management of potato pathogens. In recognition of his research contribution, Dr Sharma was honoured with Young Scientist Award by Hill Society of Agriculture, Uttarakhand; IPA Gold Medals by Indian Potato Association, Shimla and Best Worker Award (Scientific category) by ICAR-CPRI, Shimla.

His team has been conferred with ICAR Research Award for Outstanding Interdisciplinary Research in Agricultural & Allied Sciences 2015-16 (Crop & Horticultural Sciences) for research on “Forecasting for Management of Late Blight of Potato”, and IPA-Kaushalya Sikka Memorial Award (2013-17) by Indian Potato Association, Shimla. As a pathologist, he has contributed in development of late blight resistant cultivar Kufri Karan, Kufri Sukhyati and Kufri Kesar. Besides, he has also contributed in identification and registration of 14 elite germplasm possessing late blight resistance. Dr Sharma is actively working for boosting potato export by identifying pest free areas to establish potato export zones, testing consignments and certifying quality planting material.

He is a Fellow of Indian Society of Hill Agriculture, Uttarakhand; Indian Potato Association, Shimla; Indian Society of Plant Pathologists, Ludhiana, and Indian Phytopathological Society, New Delhi. Dr Sharma is a member of various committees at national level. He has over 150 research papers, book chapters, review papers, technical bulletins and three books to his credit. He has served Indian Potato Association (IPA) as Councilor, Treasurer, Joint Secretary and serving Indian Potato Association (IPA) as Secretary and Hill Society of Agriculture as Joint Secretary.