Dr. Narayana C.K. served as Acting Director of ICAR-IIHR from 01.02.2014 to 06.05.2014. He is a Principal Scientist in Post Harvest Technology & Agricultural Engineering at ICAR-IIHR and CEO of BESST-HORT. He holds a Ph.D. in Post Harvest Horticulture from ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. With over 33 years in research, education, and extension in post-harvest horticulture and fruit/vegetable processing, he has published more than 50 peer-reviewed research papers and 45 technical articles, and mentored numerous postgraduate and doctoral scholars. He has received the Dr. J.C. Anand Award, Dr. J.S. Pruthi Award, and VIRA Lifetime Achievement Award. He is a Fellow of NABS and IAHS.