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**Headline: Horticultural Scientist G. Karunakaran Honored with Dr. Kalayya Krishnamurthy National Award**

**Bengaluru, October 9, 2025:** Dr. G. Karunakaran, a distinguished horticultural scientist, was awarded the prestigious Dr. Kalayya Krishnamurthy National Award 2024 by the University of Agricultural Sciences – Bengaluru (UAS-B) at its 60th Foundation Day ceremony on Thursday. The award recognizes Dr. Karunakaran’s significant and sustained contributions to horticultural crop research, genetic improvement, and value chain development.

Dr. Karunakaran, currently a Principal Scientist (Horticulture) at the ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, is widely recognized for popularizing dragon fruit cultivation and identifying the unique Siddu jackfruit variety. Over his 26-year career with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, he has played a pivotal role in improving and commercializing various fruit crops, including banana, papaya, jackfruit, avocado, rambutan, Coorg mandarin, and tamarind.

His work has focused on developing fruit varieties suitable for arid conditions and capable of generating substantial income for farmers. He has also focused on adding value to neglected fruit varieties such as tamarind and jackfruit to increase farmer incomes.

Dr. Karunakaran’s innovative work includes releasing high-yielding varieties like the Arka series Avocado, Rambutan, Pepper, Wax Apple, and Jamun, alongside farmer-bred varieties like Siddu and Shankara jackfruit and the Lakshmana tamarind. His technological advancements have also led to the creation of ready-to-serve and ready-to-eat fruit products, and his work with Farmer Producer Organisations has strengthened community-based fruit value chains. He has over 40 research papers, three books and 12 technical bulletins in publication.

The award was presented by Home Minister G. Parameshwara, in the presence of Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy and UAS-B Vice-Chancellor S.V. Suresha. A total of 96 individuals were recognized with awards at the event.

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