Mr. Sharath Kumar N is a Food Technology scientist and emerging researcher specializing in food processing, functional foods, food product development, post-harvest technology, food packaging, and value addition of horticultural crops. He currently serves as a Scientist (Food Technology) at ICAR–Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (ICAR-CITH), Srinagar, where he is involved in research and technology development focused on temperate fruits, sustainable food processing, and functional food applications.

Prior to joining ICAR-CITH, he worked as a Scientist in Inner Nutrition Formulation at Herbalife International India Pvt. Ltd. and as an Associate Scientist in Formulation – Food, Snacks and Bakery at CavinKare Pvt. Ltd., Chennai. His industry experience has provided him with expertise in product formulation, process optimization, quality assessment, stability studies, packaging compatibility, and technology transfer.

Academic Achievements

Mr. Sharath Kumar N has demonstrated strong academic performance throughout his career. He was the University 2nd Topper during the 2014–2018 academic session and subsequently earned a Silver Medal in his Master's Degree at CSIR-CFTRI for the 2018–2020 session.

He also represented the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada, under the Study Abroad Programme, reflecting his international academic exposure.

Research & Technology Development

His research portfolio combines food technology, functional food development, food waste valorization, post-harvest processing, sustainable packaging, and bioactive compound utilization. He has developed and standardized several food products, including:

• Bitterness-reduced green walnut pickle
• Carotenoid-enriched ready-to-cook soup mix
• Green apple pickle
• High-fiber and gluten-free cookies
• Sugar-free cookies and cakes
• Eggless cakes
• Protein cookies
• Healthy breads and Biskotti variants

He has also contributed to the commercialization of chicken, prawn, and fish pickle products, demonstrating his ability to translate food research into commercially relevant technologies.

Commercialization & Process Standardization

A significant aspect of Mr. Sharath Kumar N's professional contribution is the development of process technologies suitable for commercialization. His work includes technologies for jaggery-infused quince-based tutti frutti, anthocyanin extraction from saffron floral wastes, gluten-free antioxidant-rich soup mixes, saffron floral waste-based functional cookies, preservation of golden currant pulp, and quince powder-enriched high-protein and high-fiber functional cookies.

He has also worked extensively on stability studies, packaging compatibility, raw-material and finished-product specifications, batch manufacturing records, bills of materials, nutritional facts panels, SOPs, technical dossiers, TDS, MSDS, and certificates of analysis.

Research Publications

Mr. Sharath Kumar N has contributed to a growing body of peer-reviewed research covering food processing, starch modification, cold plasma technology, functional ingredients, sustainable packaging, food waste valorization, bioactive compounds, and emerging food-processing technologies.

His recent publications have appeared in journals including International Journal of Food Engineering, ACS Food Science & Technology, Sustainable Food Technology, Food Research International, Food and Bioprocess Technology, Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, Food Science and Biotechnology, and International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. His work demonstrates a strong orientation toward emerging technologies and sustainable food systems.

Training & Professional Development

He has undertaken specialized professional training through reputed agricultural and food-technology institutions. His training includes the Foundation Course for Agricultural Research Service (FOCARS) at ICAR-NAARM, non-thermal extraction of bioactive compounds from fruits and vegetables, and a Winter School on technological advances in processing, packaging, and quality assessment of health foods.

These programmes have strengthened his expertise in sustainable processing, bioactive extraction, food quality, packaging, and functional-food development.

Training & Knowledge Dissemination

Mr. Sharath Kumar N actively contributes to capacity building by imparting technical training to farmers and stakeholders. His training programmes have covered post-harvest processing and value addition of fruits and vegetables, high-density orchard management, and technological advances in temperate fruit production.

This demonstrates his ability to translate scientific knowledge into practical technologies and communicate it effectively to agricultural communities.

Research Focus & Future Potential

His research interests lie at the intersection of food technology, horticulture, sustainability, functional foods, food waste valorization, bioactive compounds, and advanced packaging. His work seeks to transform underutilized horticultural resources and processing by-products into value-added, nutritious, and commercially viable food products.

Eligibility for Most Promising Scientist Award 

Mr. Sharath Kumar N is eligible for the Most Promising Scientist Award in Scientific Laurels. His candidature is supported by his strong academic record, including University 2nd Topper recognition and a Master's Silver Medal, diverse experience across leading food and nutrition organizations, and his current scientific role at ICAR-CITH.

His substantial contributions to food product development, commercialization, process standardization, sustainable food processing, food-waste valorization, functional foods, and advanced packaging, together with a growing peer-reviewed publication record and leadership as PI/Co-PI of multiple research projects, demonstrate significant research potential.

His ability to bridge fundamental food science, industrial product development, agricultural research, and practical commercialization makes him a strong candidate for recognition as a Most Promising Scientist under Scientific Laurels.