Dr. D. Balasubramanian

Started ICAR service in 1993 and has over three decades of experience in Post-Harvest Technology with special emphasis on cashew processing, value addition and engineering interventions for improving processing efficiency and product quality. Also served as Expert Consultant for the World Bank Project and as an Educator at the College of Agricultural Engineering, Raichur, Karnataka.

Published 54 research papers, 22 book chapters, 7 technical bulletins, 31 consultancy and scientific reports, and 83 technical abstracts and invited lectures. Developed and commercialized several engineering technologies for cashew processing and was granted two patents for innovative processing machinery, with additional patents and design registrations under evaluation.

Provided technical consultancy to more than 42 cashew processing industries, ranging from labour-oriented to fully automated processing units, and prepared Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for numerous startups. As Principal Investigator, promoted Agri-Business Incubation by mentoring entrepreneurs and women self-help groups in establishing cashew processing enterprises.

Current research focuses on developing innovative post-harvest technologies, improving whole kernel recovery, value addition of cashew apples and by-products, moisture assessment technologies, and commercialization of sustainable processing solutions for the cashew industry.