Dr. Raphael, a Ph.D. in Zoology (Entomology) from Calicut University also has a Postdoctoral fellowship from the British Natural History Museum in London, United Kingdom. With over 31 years of expertise in plantation crops, including 25 years as a Senior Scientist with the Coffee Board of India, Dr. Raphael is highly regarded for his contributions to coffee research across various coffee tracts in India. His prolific career includes the publication of 37 research papers in national and international journals, along with a chapter contribution to the Global Scientist Book. He has contributed to notable research guides as a Principal Investigator.
At Kelachandra Coffee, Dr. Raphael’s work will cover the following key functions:
- Reducing the gestation period of plants to 2-3 years from the current 5 years. This will benefit the yield and productivity of Kelachandra Coffee produce.
- Overseeing improvements in the production and inducing defense mechanisms for pepper production; improving beekeeping maintenance and honey production the estates; and, overseeing the production of exotic fruits in dedicated spaces.
- Strengthening sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices to uphold Kelachandra’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
His outstanding work in sustainable agriculture, pest management, and the development of innovative, eco-friendly solutions has been recognized globally. Dr. Raphael's dedication to excellence and sustainability aligns perfectly with Kelachandra Coffee’s mission and values. During his time at Tata Coffee, Dr. Raphael received the Annual Excellence Award in 2022 and 2023 for his work in the domain of sustainable agriculture.
In his previous role at Tata Coffee, Dr. Raphael led the Research and Development function. While his expertise spans across coffee and pepper, his leadership has been marked by numerous accolades and a commitment to transforming agricultural research and fostering sustainability.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. P Kurian Raphael to Kelachandra Coffee. His extensive experience and innovative approach to sustainable agriculture will be invaluable as we continue to push the boundaries of coffee research and development," said Rana George, Managing Director at Kelachandra Coffee. "Dr. Raphael's vision and leadership will undoubtedly drive our commitment to excellence and sustainability forward. It will help us put India firmly on the global coffee map.”
Dr. Raphael is eager to join the talented team at Kelachandra Coffee and to contribute to the company's goals of achieving excellence and sustainability in coffee research and development. "I am excited to join Kelachandra Coffee and work alongside a passionate team dedicated to pioneering advancements in Indian coffee research and Ethically-sourced Sustainable Coffee (ESC),” said Dr. Raphael. "I look forward to leveraging my experience in regenerative agriculture to contribute to our shared goals of innovation and net zero coffee production.”
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Raphael enjoys a variety of hobbies, including badminton, hockey, gardening, driving, dog breeding, and adventure activities like hiking and trekking. He also serves as the Adjudicator at Karpakam University, Coimbatore; Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala; and Mahatma Gandhi University, Kanpur.
Dr. Raphael’s office will be located at Kelachandra’s estate in Chandrapore.
