Spices Production to Products

Dr. B. Sasikumar, who holds a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding from Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat, with post-doctoral training in Plant Molecular Biology from the School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Tamil Nadu, India, as well as the Plant Biotechnology Institute, NRC-Canada, brings 33 years of experience in spices breeding, genetic resources, and adulteration detection of spices using molecular tools. He retired as Principal Scientist and Head, Crop Improvement and Biotechnology Division at ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala, India.

Dr. Sasikumar is currently a member of the Scientific Panel on Spices and Culinary Herbs of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). A decorated science communicator, he has published 127 research articles, 16 review articles, 16 book chapters, and approximately 400 popular articles on various aspects of spices, including adulteration detection, varieties, genetic resources, and success stories.

He is credited with developing 13 acclaimed varieties of spices, most of which have been well received by stakeholders in India. Dr. Sasikumar is internationally recognized as a spice specialist and has been featured in Stanford University's 2023 and 2024 lists of the world's top 2% scientists. He served as Spices Expert in Guyana, South America, for two years and also visited Vietnam and Nepal for spice consultancy and research.

Dr. S. J. Eapen, an alumnus of Calicut University, is a leading expert in spice research in India, with a career spanning over three decades. He has held prestigious roles, including Principal Scientist and Head at ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research and President of the Indian Society for Spices. In these roles, he led initiatives that elevated both the scientific and industrial standards of the spice sector. His expertise covers research management, crop protection, nematology, and bioinformatics, establishing him as a key figure in developing sustainable agricultural practices for spice cultivation.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Eapen has authored numerous research papers, reviews, and book chapters. As a passionate writer, he regularly blogs about science and technology, including the integration of AI in scientific research. His work includes the development of disease-resistant spice varieties, and he holds patents for biocontrol formulations that advance environmentally sustainable pest management strategies in agriculture.

Dr. Eapen's international influence extends beyond India. He has served as a nematology consultant in Vietnam and chaired scientific committees in Malaysia, contributing to the global exchange of knowledge in his field. Currently, he serves as a member of the FSSAI Scientific Panel on Pesticide Residues, shaping national policies on pesticide residues and ensuring their alignment with international standards. As Advisor to the World Spice Organisation, he collaborates closely with the global spice industry, and as a mentor for the Kerala Startup Mission, he guides young entrepreneurs and fosters innovation in the spice and agricultural sectors. His contributions continue to shape the future of spice research and industry both in India and internationally.