By Satish Kumar

Copyright thehindu

Horticultural scientist G. Karunakaran, who is credited with popularising dragon fruit cultivation and identifying the Siddu jackfruit variety, was conferred on Dr. Kalayya Krishnamurthy National Award 2024 by the University of Agricultural Sciences -Bengaluru (UAS-B) on the occasion of its 60th Foundation Day, on Thursday.

Dr. Karunakaran, who is working as Principal Scientist (Horticulture) in Division of Fruit Crops at the ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, is renowned for his work in popularising fruit varieties that are not only suitable for the parched conditions, but also fetch remunerative incomes to farmers. He has also worked on the value addition aspects related to fruit crops, including the neglected crops like tamarind and jackfruit to help increase farmers’ incomes.

With over 26 years of service in the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Dr. Karunakaran has made pioneering contributions to the improvement and commercialisation of several fruit crops, including banana, papaya, jackfruit, dragon fruit, avocado, rambutan, Coorg mandarin, and tamarind. His innovative work on fruit genetic resources, crop improvement, and value chain development has left a lasting imprint on tropical horticulture.

He has played a key role in the release of high-yielding varieties such as Arka series Avocado, Rambutan, Pepper, Wax Apple, and Jamun, as well as several farmer-bred varieties, including jackfruit selections Siddu and Shankara and tamarind variety Lakshmana. His efforts in technology development have led to the creation of ready-to-serve and ready-to-eat fruit-based products, and his engagement with Farmer Producer Organisations has helped strengthen community-based fruit value chains.

He has also published over 40 research papers, three books and 12 technical bulletins. The award recognises his sustained contributions to horticultural crop research, genetic improvement, and value chain development.

Dr. Karunakaran received the award from Home Minister G. Parameshwara in the presence of Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy. In all, awards were presented to 96 different personalities. UAS-B Vice-Chancellor S.V. Suresha was also present.