NEWS

• Horticultural scientist G. Karunakaran was conferred the Dr. Kalayya Krishnamurthy National Award 2024 by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru (UAS-B).
• The award was presented on the 60th Foundation Day of UAS-B.

HIGHLIGHTS

About Dr. G. Karunakaran

• Position: Principal Scientist (Horticulture), Division of Fruit Crops, ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research.
• Notable Contributions:
  • Popularised dragon fruit cultivation in India.
  • Identified Siddu jackfruit variety.
  • Worked on fruit varieties suitable for arid conditions while ensuring higher farmer incomes.

Key Achievements

1. Crop Development & Commercialisation:
   • Contributed to banana, papaya, jackfruit, dragon fruit, avocado, rambutan, Coorg mandarin, and tamarind improvement.
   • Focused on neglected crops like tamarind and jackfruit for income enhancement.
2. Value Addition & Technology Development:
   • Developed ready-to-serve and ready-to-eat fruit products.
   • Strengthened community-based fruit value chains via Farmer Producer Organisations.
3. Research & Publications:
   • Over 26 years of service in ICAR.
   • Published 40+ research papers, 3 books, and 12 technical bulletins.
   • Innovations in fruit genetic resources, crop improvement, and value chain development.

Significance of the Award

• Recognises sustained contributions to:
  • Horticultural crop research
  • Genetic improvement
  • Value chain development in tropical horticulture