The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture has welcomed Kaushik Luthra as the new assistant professor of post-harvest grain processing. With his appointment, the state’s grain sector is set to benefit from advanced research and targeted community engagement initiatives.
Luthra will work within the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, serving both the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service. Based at the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center in Harrisburg, he will spearhead efforts to enhance grain quality, efficiency, and profitability throughout Arkansas.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Luthra stated, “I’m excited to serve this community through impactful research and outreach. My goal is to improve post-harvest practices that bring greater value to Arkansas crops and benefit everyone involved.”
This appointment comes at a pivotal time. According to the Arkansas Farm Income Outlook by the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center, rice cash receipts are expected to decline by 8 percent in 2025. In response, Luthra aims to address critical issues in the post-harvest process—from on-farm storage to commercial processing—ensuring that producers retain more value from their crops.
Luthra’s work will involve collaboration with farmers, grain elevators, mills, and processors. His goal is to enhance product quality and operational workflows while maintaining safety for workers and products alike. By teaming up with extension agents, he also plans to provide education and resources on best practices, empowering producers across the state to make data-driven, profitable decisions.
With over five years of experience, Luthra brings extensive knowledge in grain drying, handling, and storage—all essential for maximizing shelf life and maintaining crop integrity. Before stepping into this academic role, he served as a postdoctoral fellow at the Arkansas Rice Processing Program, where he honed his expertise in rice processing technologies.
Luthra earned his undergraduate degree in India at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, followed by a master’s and Ph.D. in biological and agricultural engineering from the University of Arkansas.
“Kaushik has already become a respected figure in post-harvest grain research, especially in rice,” said Terry Howell Jr., department head. “He’s driven to support the industry, and we’re confident in his future success.”
