Dr.M.M.Mustaffa, Director, National research Centre for Banana, ICAR-New Delhi, has obtained his Doctorate in Horticulture from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. Dr.M.M.Mustaffa born on 01.08.1953, did his B. Sc in Agriculture and M. Sc degree in Horticulture from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.

Starting his career as a Scientist at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta, Bangalore, has contributed significantly to horticultural research, management and development. He has specialized in Tropical Fruits especially in Banana, Citrus and Pineapple in the areas viz., genetic conservation, canopy management, integrated nutrient management, irrigation management and use of growth regulators.

As a scientist, he has developed and released a Banana variety, many cost effective improved production technologies and value added products. Has assembled the largest collection of Banana from India and also from other centers of diversity. He has developed many production based technologies like canopy management, modified high density planting, integrated nutrient management and post harvest technologies including package for export in Banana. He is instrumental in the promotion of tissue culture plants, efficient water and fertigation management and precision farming in Banana. He has developed many eco-friendly technologies for the control of many pests and diseases in Banana.

As a Member of Research Council of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, involved in the monitoring and formulation of various research activities in different crops under Agriculture, Horticulture and other activities of the University. As a State Level Executive Committee Member of the National Horticulture Mission, involved in the implementation of various horticultural schemes of the Tamil Nadu State Horticulture Mission programme. As a Representative of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), participated in many Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Advisory Committee in formulating research and training activities of the KVKs for the benefit of the stake holders.

He has been closely associated with the activities of Association for the Improvement in Production and Utilization of Banana as Vice President and Banana Asia Pacific Network (BAPNET) as India’s Representative. Associated with Bioversity, France in Banana related international collaborative activities. He has more than 150 research publications in National and International Journals, presented research papers in various National and International seminars, symposium and workshop and member of several professional societies. He has authored many book chapters and has two books in his credit. His Tamil book on “Improved Production Technology in Banana” was awarded as ‘Best Book’ in Agriculture / Horticulture category by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

During his career, he was awarded an International “Pisang Raja Award” by Banana Asia Pacific Network (BAPNET), Philippines and one national award “Kadali Puraskar” by Association for the Improvement in Production and Utilization of Banana (AIPUB). He is a “Fellow“ of Association for the Improvement in Production and Utilization of Banana. Under his leadership, the National Research Centre for Banana, Trichy, was awarded the "Plaque of Honour” Recognition by Bioversity International- Commodities for Livelihood, France and Banana Asia Pacific Network (BAPNET).

Sl.No.	Director	Name of the Director	Position	Present Address	Tenure
1		Dr. B.Padmanaban	Director	Principal Scientist, NRC for Banana, Tiruchirapalli - 102.	01.08.2015 to 18.07.2016
2		Dr. M. M. Mustaffa	Director	137, 8th Street, Gandhipuram, Coimbatore - 641012.	01.04.2006 to 31.7.2015
3		Dr. S.Sathiamoorthy	Director	D.No.337, Marudamalai Main Road, P.N.Pudur, Coimbatore-41.	25.08.1999 to 31.03.2006
4		Dr. P.Sundararaju	Acting Director	Principal Scientist, NRC for Banana, Tiruchirapalli - 102.	16.12.1997 to 24.08.1999
5		Dr. H.P.Singh	Founder Director	DDG (Hort.), KAB-II, ICAR, New Delhi - 12.	27.02.1997 to 15.12.1997
6		Dr. H.P.Singh	Officer-in- charge	DDG (Hort.), KAB-II, ICAR, New Delhi - 12.	23.09.1993 to 26.02.1997