

Dr. J. Dinakara Adiga
Director & Principal Scientist (Fruit Science)
Providing visionary leadership in advancing cashew research through innovation, genetic improvement, sustainable production technologies and strategic research management to strengthen India's cashew sector and empower farming communities.
Qualification
Ph. D. (Horticulture)- Fruit Science
Year of Birth
1969
Present Position
Director & Principal Scientist
Division
Crop Management
Mobile
27+
Years of Research70+
Research Papers6+
Books & Chapters15+
TV / Radio InterviewsAbout the Scientist
Brief Work Experience
Professional Summary
An accomplished horticultural scientist and research administrator with over 27 years of professional experience spanning teaching, scientific research, research management and technology transfer. His distinguished career includes leadership and scientific contributions in the Ministry of Commerce, State Agricultural Universities and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). As the Director of ICAR–Directorate of Cashew Research, Puttur, he provides visionary leadership in advancing cashew genetics, crop improvement, sustainable production technologies and national research initiatives aimed at strengthening India's cashew industry.
Projects & Scientific Contributions
Current Projects
In-House Projects
- Genetic improvement of cashew through hybridisation and seedling selection approaches
Publication Summary
Representative Research Papers
Phenological growth stages of the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale L.) according to the extended BBCH scale.
J. Dinakara Adiga, B.M. Muralidhara, Palpandian Preethi & Siddanna Savadi (2019).
Genetic improvement studies in cashew through hybridization and evaluation.
J. Dinakara Adiga, Eradasappa, E., Mohana, G.S., R.K. Meena & M.G. Nayak (2016).
An overview of canopy management in cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.).
Adiga, D.J., Veena, G.L., Thondaiman, V. & Babli, M. (2020).
Discovery of genome-wide genetic variations and development of first set of InDel markers for genetics research in cashew.
Siddanna Savadi, J.D. Adiga, B.M. Muralidhara, Pramod Prasad, K. Manjunatha, K. Ashwitha, Gokul Mohan, Manju Manuel & K. Manoj (2023).
De novo transcriptome assembly and its utility in development and characterization of the first set of genic SSR markers in cashew.
Siddanna Savadi, B.M. Muralidhara, V. Venkataravanappa, J.D. Adiga, K. Manjunatha & Balanagouda Patil (2022).
Awards, Achievements & Professional Recognition
Fellow of ISNS
Conferred the prestigious Fellow of the International Society for Noni Science (ISNS) in recognition of outstanding contributions to horticultural research, fruit science and the advancement of sustainable crop improvement.
Pomologist Award
Received the Pomologist Award from Scire Science in recognition of significant contributions to horticultural and fruit science research.
Distinguished Researcher Award
Honoured with the Distinguished Researcher Award by Scire Science for excellence in scientific research and innovation.
Environmentalist Award
Awarded the Environmentalist Award by Scire Science for valuable contributions towards environmental sustainability and agricultural development.
SESR Agronomist Award
Received the prestigious SESR Agronomist Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to agronomy, agricultural research and sustainable farming practices.
Research, Innovation & Field Activities Gallery
A visual showcase of research leadership, field experiments, genetic improvement programmes, technology dissemination, stakeholder interactions and scientific activities supporting sustainable growth of the Indian cashew sector.
Contact Information
As the Director of ICAR–Directorate of Cashew Research, Dr. J. Dinakara Adiga leads national initiatives in cashew research, innovation and technology dissemination. He welcomes collaborations with researchers, academic institutions, government organizations and industry partners to advance sustainable cashew production and horticultural development.
Office
ICAR – Directorate of Cashew Research Puttur, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka - 574202
