Dr. Manjunatha K
Scientist (Farm Machinery & Power Engineering)
Advancing farm mechanization, precision horticulture and UAV-based technologies for efficient, sustainable and farmer-friendly cashew production, harvesting and post-harvest management.
Qualification
Ph.D. (Farm Machinery & Power Engineering)
M.Tech (Farm Machinery & Power Engineering)
Year of Birth
1989
Present Position
Scientist
Specialization
Farm Machinery & Power Engineering
Mobile
28
Research Papers25
Conference Papers & Abstracts5
Book Chapters / Training Manuals13
Popular Articles, Radio & TV TalksAbout the Scientist
Brief Work Experience
Professional Summary
Specialised in farm mechanisation and technological innovations for cashew production systems. Developed a range of cashew fruit harvesting and collection devices, including a cashew fruit harvester and multiple types of cashew fruit pickers that have been thoroughly evaluated under field conditions.
To support small and marginal farmers, designed and developed a series of cashew fruit and nut separators including pedal-operated, semi-automatic and power-operated models, improving efficiency, reducing drudgery and enhancing post-harvest handling.
Contributed significantly to aerial application technologies in cashew orchards by developing a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for drone-based spraying of pesticides and micronutrients in cashew, with emphasis on operational safety, spray uniformity and effective canopy coverage.
Engineered a branch shaker-cum-collector for efficient cashew fruit harvesting, aimed at reducing labour dependency and increasing productivity. The work integrates design, prototyping, field evaluation and refinement to deliver practical, farmer-friendly solutions for sustainable cashew cultivation.
Projects & Scientific Contributions
Current Projects
Research Projects
- Precision Pest and Disease Surveillance in Cashew Using UAV-Based Multispectral Imaging.
- Innovative mechanized system for collection of cashew fruits – A dual approach using Pneumatic and Remote-Controlled Technologies.
- Development of an Innovative, Low-Cost, Farm-Level Cashew Fruit–Nut Separator.
Publication Summary
Representative Research Papers
Investigation on torsional forces and angles at the nut and pedicel junction (NPJ) revealed varying cashew apple (hypocarp) and nut separation efficiency at different developmental stages in cashew.
Manjunatha, K., Siddanna Savadi, Ravindra Naik, D. Balasubramanian, J.D. Adiga, B.M. Muralidhara, C.R. Chethan, C. Anilkumar. (2024).
Evaluation of fruit detachment forces and related characteristics reveals differential fruit detachments at developmental stages and cultivar differences in cashew.
Manjunatha, K., Savadi, S., Adiga, J. D., Balasubramanian, D., Naik, R., Muralidhara, B. M., Chethan, C.R. (2024).
Energy budgeting and life cycle assessment of cashew cultivation under different planting densities.
Manjunatha, K., Nayak, M. G., Mangalassery, S., Palpandian, P., Muralidhara, B. M. and Siddanna Savadi. (2023).
Engineering properties of cashew apple and nut in relation to design of cashew apple and nut separator.
Manjunatha, K., D. Balasubramanian, Ravindra Naik and J.D. Adiga. (2023).
Effect of Tuber Shape, Picking Cup Size and Peripheral Speed of Metering Unit on Tuber Metering Efficiency of Belt Type Automatic Potato Planter.
Chethan, C.R., Shrivastava, A.K., Nare, B., Kumar, S.P., Singh, P.K., Venu, S.A., Manjunatha K. and Chaturvedi, S. (2023).
Awards, Achievements & Professional Recognition
National Eligibility Test (NET)
Qualified the National Eligibility Test (NET) for Lectureship in State Agricultural Universities.
KSHAEMDDA Gold Medal
Awarded the KSHAEMDDA Gold Medal for securing the highest OGPA and First Rank in Ph.D. (Agricultural Engineering) – Farm Machinery & Power Engineering.
INSPIRE Fellowship
Awarded the INSPIRE Fellowship under the INSPIRE Programme of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
University of Agricultural Sciences Gold Medal
Awarded the Gold Medal by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur for securing the highest OGPA and First Rank in M.Tech. (Agricultural Engineering) – Farm Machinery & Power Engineering.
Laboratory Members
Mr. Lalan Kumar
Technician (T-1)
Mr. Vikhyath J.U.
Young Professional-I
Mr. Ramprasad
Lab TechnicianFarm Mechanization & Technology Research Gallery
Research and development activities in farm mechanization, cashew harvesting and collection technologies, fruit–nut separation systems, precision horticulture and UAV-based applications supporting efficient and sustainable cashew production.
Contact Information
For scientific collaboration, technology development, farm mechanization solutions, UAV-based precision horticulture, cashew harvesting and post-harvest machinery, or technical consultation related to cashew production systems.
Office
ICAR – Directorate of Cashew Research
Puttur, Dakshina Kannada,
Karnataka - 574202