Dr. Kaushik Banerjee is the Director at ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune. His area of research focuses on the development of efficient analytical methods for the sensitive and confirmatory estimation of pesticide residues and mycotoxins in agricultural and food matrices, and risk assessment studies for fixation of crop-specific MRLs. Being a member of the Scientific Panels of FSSAI, he regularly contributes to the development and implementation of food safety standards in India. Dr. Banerjee's extensive contributions to science and community have earned him numerous national and international laurels, and fellowships from the Royal Society of Chemistry, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, ICAR, and West Bengal Academy of Science & Technology.

NRCG

How is the National Research Centre for Grapes connected with the Educational Sector?

National Research Centre for Grapes is a Research & Development organization under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), We work very closely with academia that includes state agriculture universities from different cities and states and various technical institutions in the field of agriculture and food sciences. A major work force for our Institute comes from the educational sector in the form of research fellows and students (e.g. Shivaji University, Lovely Professional Universities, Agricultural Universities from various states, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Lovely Professional Universities, to name some.

Being the Director of the National Research Centre for Grapes, what is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

Speaking of my leadership, I believe in a democratic approach with a comprehensive problem-solving strategy. I support the rational independence of my scientists and the delegation of authorities for the advancement of their research. I always try doing my best to create a positive work atmosphere in this institute among my staff and faculties at National Research Centre for Grapes so that all my staff and faculty members can perform to the best of their capabilities and help the research fellows and students achieve professionally and become a successful scientist.

Being the Director of National Research Centre for Grapes, how do you strategize about the key programs and plans for the marketing and administration of the Research Centre?

Grape is an important commercial crop of India. At the National Research Centre for Grapes, marketing is an integral component of all our Research & Development activities. We develop technologies to improve consumer acceptance of fresh grapes and processed products, for example juice, raisins, and wine. Information about the institute’s technologies and products are presented on the institute’s website and also on social media channels like Facebook, YouTube etc., which are accessed by all stakeholders on a regular basis.

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What do you think should be the National Research Centre for Grapes’ top priority over the next 10 years?

We at the National Research Centre for Grapes are trying to develop technologies for climate resilient grapes cultivation in our country so that production and quality of grapes survive the adverse effects of frequent and unpredictable climate change incidents. Improving the quality of grapes is our prime focus, especially in relation to consumer safety from pesticide residues. We are promoting bio-intensive approaches of pest and disease management to minimize pesticides applications in the vineyards and through this process we offer safer products to the consumers.

What are some plans that you are currently (or will be) designing for the National Research Centre for Grapes international affairs?

Grape is a significant export commodity for India. Hence, many of our projects target to enhance the quality of grapes to comply with the international food safety and quality standards, e.g., Codex, EU, etc., for an improved international acceptance. These initiatives are improving the national export volume and the farmer’s ability to realize higher prices. The institute is the NRL for APEDA, and manages the technical operations related to pesticide residue testing for accessing newer market destinations. Similarly, the institute is enhancing its capacity to promote import of safer food commodities in various countries.

How do the projects carried at the National Research Centre for Grapes ensure the best practice of industry?

The institute develops fit-for-purpose technologies for the stakeholders so that when the industry adopts the technology, it helps to achieve their business goals. For example, in the pesticides industries they are working in close collaboration with the institute to generate research data required for registration of their products for agricultural applications in industry. Once registered, those pesticides are made available to the farmers by industry with the good agriculture practices recommended by the National Research Centre for Grapes.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth?

Please get yourself ready to fulfil the requirements of the industry and the regulations that the government has imposed. In this context, it is essential to maintain an awareness of the most recent national and international regulatory requirements, as well as the means by which those requirements can be satisfied. The appropriate knowledge and experience in this regard can be of great assistance to the youth of today in locating the opportunities for academic and professional career advancement that they are seeking.

What do you see as the National Research Centre for Grapes’ greatest strengths?

The National Research Centre for Grapes is home to a team of highly qualified researchers who have a wealth of experience researching national and international issues relevant to the current state of the world and the potential solutions to those problems. In addition to this, the institute possesses high-quality laboratory infrastructures that are outfitted with the necessary equipment. Within these labs, students can learn and advance in the field of their research under the guidance of eminent scientists to support the upcoming researchers.

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What are some of the biggest challenges you see for the National Research Centre for Grapes specifically?

The National Research Centre for Grapes faces challenges like that it is a small institute with limitations in terms of space to accommodate the students in large numbers when they visit the centre for research purposes. To overcome this challenge, our institute has decided not to take more than three students apart from scientists at any given point of time. This number does not however improve include PhD students, or those whom we hire under externally funded research projects.

What would you like people to know about your National Research Centre for Grapes they may not know?

National Research Centre for Grapes is the authentic source of grape varieties and disease-free planting materials. The institute is the National Reference Laboratory for pesticide residues and mycotoxins in the country. In this role, the institute is providing huge R&D support to the laboratories in the network of National agencies like FSSAI and APEDA, and facilitating domestic and international food safety compliance. Most of the commercial laboratories of the country are using the analytical technologies published by the institute for food testing purposes.