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Kaushik Luthra to lead post-harvest grain studies in Arkansas
He will be working to improve post-harvest grain practices, aiming to boost profitability for Arkansas rice producers facing economic challenges.
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Pranavi Sharma - Wed, 25, Jun 2025
- 23:32 EDT
- 13
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Kaushik Luthra joins the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department as part of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, where he will focus on post-harvest crop management to help producers increase profitability. / University of Arkansas
Kaushik Luthra, an Indian-origin researcher, has joined the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture as assistant professor of post-harvest grain processing. He will be based at the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center in Harrisburg, focusing on helping Arkansas farmers increase profitability through improved post-harvest crop management.
Luthra told the University of Arkansas that his goal is to promote best practices that add value to Arkansas crops. “I’m excited to give back to this amazing community through research and extension,” he said. “I’m fully committed to making a lasting, positive difference.”
His appointment comes as Arkansas rice producers face economic headwinds. According to the Arkansas Farm Income Outlook, rice cash receipts are projected to decline by 8 percent in 2025. Luthra aims to tackle post-harvest challenges, working directly with farmers, grain elevators, mills and processors to improve grain quality, safety, and efficiency across the supply chain.
“I want to empower stakeholders to optimize profitability,” Luthra told the university, adding that he will also collaborate with extension agents to share knowledge on best practices in post-harvest management.
With over five years of experience, Luthra specializes in drying, handling, storage, and processing to maintain crop quality and extend shelf life. He previously served as a postdoctoral fellow in the Arkansas Rice Processing Program and earned his bachelor's degree from Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in India. He later completed his master’s and doctorate in biological and agricultural engineering at the University of Arkansas.
Terry Howell Jr., head of the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, told the University of Arkansas, “Dr. Luthra has become a trusted authority in post-harvest technologies, especially in rice. He is motivated to serve the stakeholders across the state, and he is poised to have a great career.”
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