Since 1st May ’92.

 

Holding the post of Director (Research, Development, Training and Extension) at the Central Coir Research Institute (CCRI), Kalavoor P.O, Alleppey, Kerala.  The Institute was established in 1958 under the Coir Board, Ministry of Agro and Rural Industries, Govt. of India. The Director is the Executive Head of the Institute who guides, supervises and coordinates all the administrative and R&D activities of the Institute.  The major activities at CCRI concentrate on the white fibre sector of the Coir Industry in Kerala. 

  RECOGNITIONS FOR CCRI

1.        The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Govt of India have recognized the CCRI as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (SIRO) (1999).

2.        The Microbiology Laboratory of the CCRI has been recognized by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) to certify the coir pith for its export to Australia (1996).

3.        The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has recognized the CCRI for certifying the Rubberised Coir Mattresses for testing and certifying its qualities (1990).

4.        The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has recognized the CCRI as a testing laboratory for coir geotextiles (2004)

MAJOR ACTIVITIES ON HAND INCLUDE: -

  A.      Coordinating research programmes of following different departments: -

  1.  MICROBIOLOGY-Process improvement in extraction of coir using biotechnological methods.

  2.  ENGINEERING-Development of mechanised spinning and weaving machines for COIR

  3.  CHEMISTRY-Cost effective eco-friendly techniques for Bleaching, Dyeing, Softening and Printing.

  4. POLYMER-Development of coir polymer composite boards.

  5. PRODUCT DIVERSIFICATION-Coir geotextiles and blending with jute, cotton, banana, pineapple etc.

  6. WASTE UTILISATION

i)         Extraction of Lignin from Coir Pith  (a waste material generated double in quantity of coir fibre during theextraction of coir fibres) and synthesis of Lignosulfonates of Oil Well Drilling Mud Additive Grade and Battery Grade that are imported by our country to the extent of 2000MT/year. 

ii)        Conversion of Lignosulphonates into Vanillin.

iii)     Paper from coir bit fibres

  B.       The Director also heads the Central Institute for Coir Technology, Bangalore that concentrates on the development

         of the Brown Fibre Sector of the Coir Industry. The major research programmes include Coir Polymer

         Composite Boards, Fuel Briquetts from Coir Pith and non-wovens from coir coir fibres.

  C.       Executive Head of the National Coir Training and Design Centre (NCT&DC), Alleppey, which is imparting training on various aspects of coir processing to the candidates, selected from all over the country.

  D.      Extending the research and development achievements at the Central Coir Research Institute to the Coir Industry by technical consultancy and field extension service.

  E.       Preparation and implementation of a 3000 crore Millennium Development Plan for Coir Industry in the Coir Producing States viz. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal and North Eastern States.

  F.        COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS

 Initiating and Monitoring Collaborative Research Projects with reputed institutes in the country viz.,

1.        Application of Natural dyes on Coir, Phase II, Dept. of Textile Technology, IIT,  New Delhi.

2.        Softening of Dry Husk fibres, Dept. of Biological Chemistry, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata.

3.        Development of High-Tech Economic doors with coir and glass fibres composites, Composite Development Center, RV-TIFAC, Bangalore.

4.        Development of economic packaging boxes with coir polymer composites, Indian Institute of Packaging, Mumbai,

5.        Development of particle boards from tender cococnut fibres, P.S.G. Polytechnic College, Coimbatore.

6.        Use of coir pith for fuel purposes, Tata Energy Research Institute, New Delhi.

7.        Diversified uses of Coir Geotextiles-Road pavements, Consolidation of soil, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi.

8.        Development of eco-friendly production of export oriented vanilla using coir geotextiles and other products, Spices Board, Kochi.

9.        Blending of coir with jute and sisal for product diversification, South India Textile Research Association, Coimbatore.

10.     Modification of rubberized coir mattresses for hospital beds enhancing patient comfort, increasing longevity and making it impermeable to body discharges, Indian Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University,

11.     Use of Coir Geotextiles in the construction of roads, Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi.

12.     Development and application of coir pith based Cyanobacterial bio-fertiliser for field cultivation, Dept. of Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University

  G.      INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS

1.        Implemented an UNDP project on,” Modernisation, Technology Transfer and Capacity Building in Coir Industry”, at CCRI from January 2000 to December 2002.

2.        Implemented a 3 years’ Food & Agricultural Organisation (FAO) Project as National Project Director (N.P.D.) at the Institute for development of Softening, Bleaching, Dyeing and Printing of coir from 1995 to 1998. Was deputed by FAO on a 3-week’s Study Tour to the Netherlands, Germany and U.K., to study the R&D on Coir and its future prospects in Europe.

3.        A 3 crore worth RHP laboratory is being established at CCRI to carry out testing of coir products as per standards stipulated by RHP Foundation, Holland, for export of coir products to the European Countries.

  H.    TECHNOLOGY TRANSFERS

1 .The two technologies viz., COCOLAWNTM – A readymade lawn and PITHPLUS- An edible Fungal Spawn for

    Faster Composting of Coir Pith, have been transferred to M/s. Cadila Pharmaceuticals, Ahmedabad.

2. The technology of ‘Anugraha’ Metallic Handloom has been transferred to 10 Machinery Manufacturers in the

     coir industry.

3. The technology of Coir Polymer Composite Boards has been transferred to M/s. Duroflex Limited, Bangalore.

  I.      AWARDS

1.        Received NRDC Award for the meritorious invention of Metallic Handloom-“Anugraha” which was presented by Shri. Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Minister for Science & Technology, Govt. of India on 29th June 2004.  His Excellency the President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was the Chief Guest of the function.

2.        Received ‘Rajabhasha Shri Samman’ from Bharatiya Rajabhasha Vikas Sansthan, Dehradun, at the valedictory function of the Seminar held at Pondichery, which was presented by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor of Pondichery, Shri. M. M. Lakhera, on 5th November 2004.

3.        Received a Meritorious Invention Award instituted by NRDC, Govt. of India, which was presented by Shri. K.C. Pant, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Govt. of India, on the Technology Day ie. 11th May 2002 for, “COCOLAWN- A Readymade Lawn”.

4.        Received a Meritorious Invention Award instituted by NRDC (National Research Development Corporation), Govt. of India, which was presented by Dr. Murali Manohar Joshi, Hon’ble Minister for HRD & S&T, Govt. of India, on the first Technology Day ie. 11th May ’99 for “Reducing the period of Retting of Coconut Husk and upgrading the quality of unretted green husk fibres by treatment, using bacterial cultures”.

 

  LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

        INTERNATIONAL JOURNALS

 

   1.        “Investigation on the structure of the hemicellulose obtained from the fibre of Sansevieria Trifasciata Leaves”, by U.S.Sarma and A.K.Mukherjee,  Carbohydrate Research, 95 (1981) 81-86.

  2.        “Investifigations on the fibres of Pineapple (Ananas Comosus (L) Merr.) Leaves”, by U.S.Sarma, Carbohydrate Research, 97(2) (1982) 323-329.

  3.        “Investigation on the structure of the hemicellulose obtained from the fibre of Sanservieria Trifasciata Leaves Part II”, by U.S.Sarma and A.K.Mukherjee, Carbohydrate Research, 105(2) (1982) 247-250.

  4.        “Investigation on the fibres of Pineapple (Ananas Comosus (L) Merr.) Leaves: Structural study of the hemicellulose”, by U.S.Sarma, Carbohydrate Research, 111 (1982) 151-155.

  5.        “Kinetics of oxidation of D-glucose by Hexachloroiridate and Tetrachloroaurate (III)”, by K.K.Sen Gupta, S.Sen Gupta, U.Chatterjee, A.Tarafdar, T.Samanta and U.S.Sarma, Carbohydrate Research, 117(1983) 81-87.

  6.        “Studies on a brittle stem mutant of rice, Oriza sativa L., characterisation of Lignin fractions, associated phenolic acids and, polysaccharides from rice stem”, by U.S.Sarma, J.M.Brillouet, A.Scalbert and B.Monties, “Agronomie”, 1986.6(3), 265-2271.

  7.        “Bioinoculants for Coir Retting” by Anita Das Ravindranath and U.S.Sarma, CORD II, No.1, 1995. Pg.34-40.

  8.        The paper entitled, “Retted (White) Coir Fibre Nettings – The Ideal Choice as Geotextiles for Soil Erosion Control” by K.George Joseph and U.S.Sarma has been presented which has been published in the Proceedings of the IECA’s 28th Annual Conference, Tennesee, USA held on 25-28, February, 1997 pg.  67-76.

9.        “Rural progress through value addition in coir”, by U. S. Sarma, presented on 8 May 2003, at the International Coconut Summit 2003, held at Kochi from 7-11 May, 2003.

NATIONAL JOURNALS.

  1.     “Modification of the IJIRA Process of stabilised bleaching of jute fabrics” by U.S.Sarma, Colourage, 32(26)

          (1985) 19-20.

  2.        “Fire –retardancy of jute fabrics with potassium sodium tartarate (Rochelle Salt)”, by U.S.Sarma, Colourage, 32(26) (1985) 19-20.

  3.        Presented a review on the “Lignin –Carbohydrate complex of natural fibres”, by U.S.Sarma at the seminar on the 24th Annual General Meeting of the Textile Association of the India (West Bengal Unit), held on September 8, 1985, the part of which has been published in “Textile Trends” 28(6) (1985) 98: 28(8) (1985) 43-45.

  4.        “Effect of anions in Cu(II) diamine complexes on catalytic hydrolysis of DFP”, by D.N.Marjit, U.S.Sarma, and D.K.Jaiswal, “Current Science” 57 (1989) 958-960.

  5.        “Hydrolysis of diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate catalysed by copper (II) – diamine complexes”, by D.N.Marjit and U.S.Sarma, Indian J.Chemistry, 28 A (1989) 958-960.

  6.        “HPLC study on the hydrolysis of parathion catalysed by Cu (II) – diamine complexes”, by U.S.Sarma, D.N.Marjit, D.K.Dube and S.K.Raza “Indian Journal of Chemistry”, 29A(1990) 800-802.

  7.        “Study on the efficacy of CC-2 and Fuller’s earth combination as a decontaminant against sulphur mustard (mustard gas) dermal intoxication in mice”, by U.S.Sarma, P.Kumar and R.Vijayaraghavan, Defence Science .Journal, 41, No.4 (1991) 363-366.

  8.        Presented  a paper entitled “Technology Alternations in Coir Industry” by U.S.Sarma in the Seminar, “The Coir Industry in Kerala – a study on the modernisation and employment protection” held at Trivandrum on 12-13th November 1992.

  9.        “Biotechnology – A new avenue in Coir Research”, by Anita Das Ravindranath and U.S.Sarma, COIR, 37, No.1, January- June 1993.

  10.     “Bioinoculant Treatment of Unretted Green husk Fibre for Quality Improvement” by Anita Das Ravindranath, U.S.Sarma, COIR, 37, No.2, July-September, 1993.

  11.     Presented a paper entitled “Coir Geotextiles and its Applications” by U.S.Sarma, in the 2nd International Workshop on Geotextiles Organised by the Committee for International Geotextiles Society (India) held at New Delhi on 11-12 January, 1994.

  12.      “German Ban – an eco-friendly prescription for the coir industry”, by U.S.Sarma, Coir News, Vol. 24, No.5, May

         20, 1995, P.25-36.

  13.      A paper entitled “Research and Development on Coir Technology” by U.S.Sarma was presented at the Eighth Kerala Science Congress held at Kochi on 27-29, January 1996.

  14.     A paper entitled “Manifold Potentials of Coir Geotextiles” by U.S.Sarma and M.Kumararaja was presented at the Sseminar on Coir Geotextiles” held at Alleppey, has been published in the Coir News, Vol.26, No.4, April 20, 1997, P.27-30.

  15.     “Eco Friendly & Versatile Coir Geotextiles”, by U.S.Sarma, Geosynthetic Asia’97, Vol. I, 26-29 Nov.1997, Bangalore, India, Eds, C.V.J.Varma, G.V.Rao and A.R.G.Rao, Publishers, Oxford and IBH Publishing Co.Pvt.Ltd, New Delhi, Session VI, P.49, 1997.

  16.     “Studies on Imparting Softness to Coir Fibre/Yarn’, by I.R.Anto, P.K.Ravi and U.S.Sarma, Proceedings of the International Workshop on Wet Processing of Coir, 8-9 Dec.1997, Alleppey, India.

  17.     “Investigations in Bleaching of Coir”, by I.R.Anto, T.Ravindran, P.K.Ravi, M.Kumaraswamy Pillai and   U.S.Sarma, Proccedings of the International Workshop on Wet Processing of Coir, 8-9 Dec.1997, Alleppey , India.

  18.     “A Study on Bleaching of Coir using Bacterial Cultures” by Anita Das Ravindranath, S.Radhakrishnan and U.S.Sarma, Proceedings of the International Workshop on Wet Processing of Coir, 8-9 Dec.1997, Alleppey, India.

  19.     “Techniques of Dyeing Coir Materials”, by K.G.Mohanan, P.C.Antonel Vaz, J.Sunil Dath, A.Radhakrishnan, V.A.Sebastian and U.S.Sarma, Proceedings of the International Workshop on Wet Processing of Coir, 8-9 Dec.1997, Alleppey, India.

  20.     “Printing of Designs on Coir Materials”, by A.Radhakrishnan, V.R.George Roy and U.S.Sarma, Proceedings of the International Workshop on Wet Procesing of Coir, 8-9 Dec.1997, Alleppey, India.

  21.     “Application of Microorganisms to Enhance Biodegradation of Phenolic Compounds and to Improve Retting of Coir” by Anita Das Ravindranath and U.S.Sarma, Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research, Vol.57, Oct& Nov.1998, P. 825-827.

  22.   “Extraction of Lignosulphonates from Coir Pith – An agrowaste”, by U.S.Sarma and  

        Anita Das Ravindranath , Proceedings of the Workshop on utilisation of Coir Pith, 1993, P. 11-13.

22.     “Softening of Coir” by U.S. Sarma, Souvenir P. 103-109, published by Coir Board on the occasion of inauguration of the India International Coir Fair (IICF) and Seminar held on 11th to 13th October 2001 at Le Meridien Covention Centre at Kochi.

  23.     “Coir exports and eco regulations in Germany” by U.S. Sarma, Coir News, Vol. XXIX, No. 10, October 20,2000, P. 15-19.

  24.     “Recent advances in the processing of coir”, by U.S. Sarma, presented at the National Seminar on “Recent advances in natural fibre research”, organized by Indian Fibre Society (IFS) in collaboration with Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres (CRIJAF)”, on 15-16 December, 2001 at CRIJAF, Barrackpore, West Bengal.

  25.     “Coir retting: Its influence in the Vembanad and Ashtamudi wetlands of Kerala”, by Anita Das Ravindranath and U.S.Sarma, presented at the “Regional Seminar on Ramsar Sites of Kerala”, held at Centre for Water Resources Development & Management, Kozhikode, on 21 February, 2003.

  26.     “Coir Bhoovastra for soil bio-engineering applications”, by U.S.Sarma, presented at the National Seminar on Coir Bhoovastra organized by Coir Board at New Delhi, on 21 March 2003.

  27.     “Evaluation of Bacterial Treatment on the Flexural rigidity and Light Fastness Properties of Coir Fibre”, by Anita Das Rabindranath and U.S. Sarma, Coir News, Coir Board Golden Jubilee Special Issue, August, 2004, p. 22-24.

  PROJECT REPORTS

 

1. “Development of Impregnants for protective clothing (RD-P1-820DRDE – 71”, by S.M.Baronia, U.S.Sarma and V.S.Tripathi submitted at Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior.

 

2. “Upgrading of jute fibres by means of suitable chemicals for better spinnability and production by U.S.Sarma and R.N.Sarkar submitted at Indian Jute Industries’ Research Association, Calcutta.

 

PATENTS

 

1.        A Process for the Preparation of a Fertilizer by U.S.Sarma and Anita Das Ravindranath (745/MAS/98 dated 6th April 1998).

 

2.        A Process for the Treatment of Coir Retting Effluents by U.S.Sarma and Anita Das Ravindranath (746/MAS/98 dated 6th April 1998).

 

3.        A Process for Reducing the Period of Retting of Coconut Husk using COIRRET by U.S.Sarma and Anita Das Ravindranath (747/MAS/98 dated 6th April 1998).

 

4.        A Process for Mechanically Extracted Green Husk Fibre by U.S.Sarma and Anita Das Ravindranath (748/MAS/98 dated 6th April 1998)

 

5.        A Process for Producing Paper Grade Pulp from Coir Bit Fibres(Case A) by U.S.Sarma, Anita Das Ravindranath, J.Sunil Dath and Christy Fernandez (63/MAS/99 dated 19th January 1999).

 

6.        A Process for Producing Paper Grade Pulp from Coir Bit Fibres (Case B )by U.S.Sarma, Anita Das Ravindranath, J.Sunil Dath and Christy Fernandez (64/MAS/99 dated 19th January 1999).

 

7.        A Process for Producing Paper Grade Pulp from Coir Bit Fibres (Case C) by U.S.Sarma, Anita Das Ravindranath, J.Sunil Dath and Christy Fernandez (65/MAS/99 dated 19th January 1999).

 

8.        A process for Producing Paper Grade Pulp from Coir Bit Fibres (Case D)  by U.S.Sarma, Anita Das Ravindranath, J.Sunil Dath and Christy Fernandez (66/MAS/99 dated 19th January 1999).

  9.        An Erosion Control Blanket (Case A) by Christy Fernandez and U.S. Sarma (588/MAS/2000 dated 28th July 2000).

  10.     An Erosion Control Blanket (Case B) by Christy Fernandez and U. S. Sarma (589/MAS/2000 dated 28th July 2000).

  11.     An Erosion Control Blanket (Case C) by Christy Fernandez and U. S. Sarma (590/MAS/2000 dated 28th July 2000).

  12.     An Erosion Control Blanket (Case D) by Christy Fernandez and U. S. Sarma (591/MAS/2000 dated 28th July 2000).

  13.     An Erosion Control Blanket (Case E) by Christy Fernandez and U. S. Sarma (592/MAS/2000 dated 28th July 2000).

  14.     An Erosion Control Blanket from Coir Fibres (Case F) by Christy Fernandez and U. S. Sarma (842/MAS/2000 dated 5th October 2000)

  15.     An Erosion Control Blanket (Case G) by Christy Fernandez and U. S. Sarma (843/MAS/2000 dated 5th October 2000).

  16.      A Readymade Lawn by Christy Fernandez, U. S. Sarma and K. P. Somanathan Nair (664/MAS/2001 dated 13th August, 2001).

  17.     A process for composting of coir pith and other recalcitrant agricultural residues, T. A. Rajendra Babu, Anita Das Ravindranath, U. S. Sarma, Christy Fernandez, P. K. Ghosh (948/MAS/2002 dated 17th December, 2002).

 

18.     A process for preparation of coir composite board, R. Vasudev, M. Sudhakaran Pillai, U. S. Sarma, Christy Fernandez and P. G. Deshmukh (193/MAS/2003 dated 10th March, 2003).

  19.     An improved mild steel handloom, T. A. Rajendra Babu and U. S. Sarma (548/CHE/2003 dated 2nd July 2003)

   

 
 
 

 

 

PRESENT EMPLOYMENT & ACTIVITIES