Dr. Aswathy Chandrakumar
Scientist (Agricultural Extension)
Advancing agricultural extension and innovation systems for sustainable cashew development through technology dissemination, participatory approaches, livelihood enhancement and stronger farmer–scientist linkages.
Qualification
Ph.D. (Agricultural Extension)
Year of Birth
1992
Present Position
Scientist (Agricultural Extension)
Specialization
Agricultural Extension
Mobile
12
Research Papers10
Book Chapters3
Current Projects3
Awards & RecognitionsAbout the Scientist
Brief Work Experience
Professional Summary
Dr. Aswathy Chandrakumar is a Scientist in Agricultural Extension, specialising in agriculture extension and working at ICAR–Directorate of Cashew Research since 2021. Her work focuses on technology dissemination, participatory innovation systems and livelihood enhancement in the cashew sector.
She is actively involved in extension research, capacity building and policy-oriented studies aimed at strengthening farmer–scientist linkages and improving the outreach of cashew-based technologies. Her research includes the development of innovative extension models for technology transfer and assessment of the impact of technologies developed at the institute and implemented at the field level.
Her current work also addresses adoption behaviour, entrepreneurship development and strengthening of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) working in the cashew sector. Special emphasis is given to livelihood systems, agricultural innovation and inclusive approaches to technology transfer.
Through a combination of scientific research and field engagement, her work aims to bridge research– extension gaps and promote sustainable growth, improved livelihoods and wider adoption of technologies in the cashew sector.
Projects & Scientific Contributions
Current Projects
Institute Projects
- Knowledge Management and Technology Transfer in Cashew.
- Socio-economic and innovation system analysis in the cashew sector.
- Improving the livelihoods of tribal farmers through cashew-based technologies and capacity building.
Externally Funded Project
- Development of model cashew villages for transforming farm livelihoods in Karnataka.
Publication Summary
Representative Research Papers
Analysis of information needs and search behaviour of cashew farmers in non-traditional areas of India: A pilot study.
Chandrakumar, A., Mohana, G. S., Adiga, J. D., Raviprasad, T. N., and Manjesh, G. N. (2023). Original work published 2025.
Trend analysis of the raw cashewnut production in India.
Chandrakumar, A., Thamban, C., Jayasekhar, S., Priyanka Singh, Hema M., Eradasappa, E., Thondaiman, V., Jyoti, Nishad, T. N. Raviprasad, and J. Dinakara Adiga (2024).
Risk Perception and Perceived Effects on Environment vis-à-vis Dairy Animal Waste Management in NCR, India.
M. Madhavan, M., Sankhala, G., Maiti, S., S. Smitha, and Chandrakumar, A. (2024).
Cracking the tough nut in India: The way forward.
Chandrakumar, A., Adiga, J. D., K., Manjunatha, G. L., Veena, K., Vanitha, and Mog, B. (2025).
Awards, Achievements & Professional Recognition
Best Oral Presentation Award
Awarded for the research paper entitled “Bearing Fruit or Falling Flat – The changing scenario of cashew nut production and trade in India” during the National Seminar on Harnessing Plantation Sector for Sustainable Development Goals, organised by ICAR-CPCRI, Kasaragod, from 3rd–5th January 2025.
Best Stall Award
Best Stall Award for the exhibition stall at the National Horticulture Fair 2025, organised by ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru, Karnataka, from 27th February–1st March 2025.
Best Stall Award
Best Stall Award for the exhibition stall at the Mega Kisan Mela organised by ICAR–Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kidu, Karnataka, from 19th–23rd November 2022.
Research & Outreach Team
Mr. Sathisha. P
Project AssistantField Extension & Technology Transfer Gallery
Field-level extension activities, farmer interactions, technology dissemination, capacity-building programmes, participatory innovation initiatives and outreach interventions supporting sustainable livelihoods in the cashew sector.
Contact Information
For scientific collaboration, extension research, technology transfer initiatives, farmer outreach, capacity-building programmes, socio-economic studies or research related to agricultural extension and sustainable development of the cashew sector.
Office
ICAR – Directorate of Cashew Research
Puttur, Dakshina Kannada,
Karnataka - 574202