Professor, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh
Professor Animesh Sarkar is a distinguished academic and researcher specializing in Food Engineering and Agricultural Sciences. With over 15 years of dedicated experience, he currently serves as a Professor at the Department of Food Engineering and Tea Technology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh. His expertise spans sustainable food production, bioremediation of heavy metals, tea science, bio-fertilizers, agricultural waste management, and food chemistry. He strives to enhance global food security by developing innovative, eco-friendly technologies and advancing knowledge in food processing and soil microbiology.
Professional Profile
Google Scholar
🎓 Education
Professor Sarkar’s academic foundation was built at Bangladesh Agricultural University, where he earned his B.Sc. in Agriculture (2006) and M.S. in Agricultural Chemistry (2007). His master’s thesis focused on isolating phosphate solubilizing bacteria and their impact on rice grown in acidic soil. He then pursued advanced research in Japan, obtaining a PhD in Science and Engineering from Saitama University in 2015. His doctoral research investigated the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on floodplain plants under nutrient deficiency and heavy metal stress. He furthered this work as a JSPS postdoctoral fellow (2017–2019), focusing on bioremediation and food safety.
💼 Professional Experience
Since 2009, Professor Sarkar has been a vital faculty member at Shahjalal University. He has taught a broad spectrum of courses such as Soil Science, Food Chemistry, Agro-industrial Chemistry, and Tea Agronomy at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Alongside teaching, he has supervised more than 40 students across various levels. His research spans experimental trials in food processing, tea crop development, microbial bioremediation, and environmental sustainability. He actively collaborates with farmers to solve crop production challenges and promotes university-industry-farmer linkages.
🔬 Research Interests
His core research interests include the sustainable production of nutrient-rich food, the bioremediation of heavy metals using fungi and bacteria, microbial interactions with plants, food waste valorization, and non-thermal food processing techniques. He also investigates the use of biofertilizers and biopesticides to improve crop yield and soil health, focusing on eco-friendly agricultural practices and enhancing the safety and quality of food products.
📚 Publications Top Notes
Application of nanotechnology in food: processing, preservation, packaging and safety assessment
R Biswas, M Alam, A Sarkar, MI Haque, MM Hasan, M Hoque — Heliyon, 2022, 8(11), 126. (Cited 126 times)
This comprehensive review examines how nanotechnology is revolutionizing food processing, preservation, and packaging. It highlights advances in enhancing food safety, shelf life, and nutrient delivery through nanoscale materials. The article discusses potential risks and regulatory considerations, providing a balanced perspective on future applications in the food industry.
Comparisons of yield, water use efficiency, and soil microbial biomass as affected by the system of rice intensification
L Zhao, L Wu, Y Li, S Animesh, D Zhu, N Uphoff — Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 2010, 41(1), 1-12. (Cited 118 times)
This study evaluates the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and its impact on rice yield, water conservation, and soil microbial health. Findings indicate that SRI improves water use efficiency and enhances soil microbial biomass, contributing to sustainable rice production in water-scarce regions.
Screening for phosphate solubilizing bacteria inhabiting the rhizoplane of rice grown in acidic soil in Bangladesh
A Sarkar, T Islam, G Biswas, S Alam, M Hossain, N Talukder — Acta Microbiologica et Immunologica Hungarica, 2012, 59(2), 199-213. (Cited 72 times)
This research isolates and characterizes phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) from rice rhizoplane soil. The study reveals PSB’s crucial role in improving phosphorus availability and rice growth in acidic soils, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal influences on growth, nutrient uptake, and use efficiency of Miscanthus sacchariflorus growing on nutrient-deficient river bank soil
A Sarkar, T Asaeda, Q Wang, MH Rashid — Flora, 2015, 212, 46-54. (Cited 52 times)
This article documents the positive effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the growth and nutrient uptake of Miscanthus sacchariflorus in nutrient-poor soils. It demonstrates enhanced nutrient use efficiency, suggesting that mycorrhizal symbiosis is beneficial for revegetation of degraded riparian habitats.
Impact of blanching pretreatment on physicochemical properties, and drying characteristics of cabbage (Brassica oleracea)
A Sarkar, S Rahman, M Roy, M Alam, MA Hossain, T Ahmed — Food Research, 2021, 5(2), 393-400. (Cited 44 times)
This experimental study investigates how blanching affects the drying kinetics and quality parameters of cabbage. Results show blanching improves drying rate and preserves physicochemical properties, providing valuable data for optimizing cabbage processing in the food industry.
🏆 Conclusion
Professor Animesh Sarkar’s career is marked by a robust blend of teaching excellence, cutting-edge research, and practical agricultural interventions. His pioneering work on microbial bioremediation, food processing innovations, and sustainable crop management addresses some of the most pressing challenges in food security and environmental sustainability. Recognized internationally, with numerous citations and prestigious fellowships, his contributions continue to impact scientific communities and farming practices alike. His dedication to mentoring the next generation and fostering collaborative research further amplifies his standing as a leading figure in agricultural and food science.