Dr. D. Balasubramanian
Principal Scientist (Agricultural Processing)
Leading research in post-harvest technology, cashew processing engineering, value addition, food product development, and technology commercialization, with a focus on improving processing efficiency, promoting entrepreneurship, and enhancing the sustainable utilization of cashew and its by-products.
Qualification
Ph.D. (Agricultural Processing)
Year of Birth
1965
Present Position
Principal Scientist
Specialization
Agricultural Processing & Post-Harvest Technology
Mobile
+91 99867 77048
32+
Years of Experience54
Research Papers22
Book Chapters7
Technologies CommercializedAbout the Scientist
Brief Work Experience
Professional Summary
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.
Projects & Scientific Contributions
Current Projects
Principal Investigator
- Optimizing processing parameters in cashew for enhancing whole kernel recovery.
- Development of ready-to-eat alternate snack food using cashew apple through extrusion and vacuum frying approach.
- Scaling up of Cashew Value Chain through Area Expansion and Improving Value Addition Processes.
Publication Summary
Representative Research Papers
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).
Mechanical properties of tender coconut (Cocos nucifera L.): Implications for the design of processing machineries.
Pandiselvam, R., Manikantan, M. R., Balasubramanian, D., P. P. Shameena Beegum, Mathew, A. C., Ramesh, S., Hebbar, K. B., & Niral, V. (2019).
Moisture sorption characteristics of cashew kernels.
Balasubramanian, D. (2016).
Moisture dependant physio-mechanical properties of processed cashew kernels.
Balasubramanian, D. & R. L. K. Joycy (2015).
Performance evaluation of high speed colour sorter for cashew kernels.
Balasubramanian, D. & K. L. R. Joycy (2013).
Awards, Achievements & Professional Recognition
Advanced Cashew Processing Technologies
Developed and received ICAR technology certificates for portable cashew apple and nut separation technologies, including the pedal-operated shear type separator, 3-in-1 cashew nut separator and portable semi-automatic separator with twisting mechanism.
Technology Development & Commercialization
Developed 11 technologies related to cashew processing, value addition and mechanization, with 7 technologies commercialized for adoption by private enterprises.
Patents for Cashew Processing Technologies
Granted Indian patents for the Radial Arm Type Cashew Kernel Extracting Machine (Patent No. 272371) and Rotary Drum Roasting Machine for Raw Cashewnuts (Patent No. 359214).
Mechanization of Cashew Apple Processing
Contributed to the development of mechanized cashew apple and nut separators, harvesting gadgets and a mechanical slicer to support industrial-scale processing and value addition.
Leadership in Cashew Research & Review
Served as Member Secretary of the Quinquennial Review Team for ICAR-DCR and AICRP on Cashew, and contributed to institutional research planning and evaluation.
National Contribution to Cashew Processing
Built extensive expertise in cashew processing and post-harvest technology through research, consultancy, training and participation in PLACROSYM, including responsibilities as rapporteur, convener and co-chairman of technical sessions.
Laboratory Members
Processing Technologies & Research Gallery
A visual showcase of post-harvest processing technologies, pilot-scale processing equipment, value-added product development, technology demonstrations, incubation activities, engineering innovations, and field interactions supporting sustainable cashew processing and value chain development.
Contact Information
For scientific collaboration, technology development, post-harvest processing, value addition, incubation support, entrepreneurship, consultancy, training programmes, and technical guidance related to cashew processing and agro-processing technologies.
Office
ICAR – Directorate of Cashew Research
Puttur, Dakshina Kannada,
Karnataka – 574202
Phone
+91 99867 77048