Dr. M. Anandaraj born on 5 March 1954 in Karnataka, obtained his Masters degree from the University of Mysore and Ph.D from University of Calicut. Dr. Anandaraj is a renowned Plant Pathologist joined ICAR in 1978 as scientist and since then he has been serving the Council in various capacities and currently he is the Director of Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode (Calicut). He is also the National Coordinator of the ICAR Outreach Project on “Phytophthora, Fusarium and Ralstonia diseases of horticultural and field crops” (www.phytofura.net.in)  that is being run in 16 ICAR institutes and a Horticultural University.  

Presently the Chairman of R&D committee of International Pepper Community (IPC) Jakarta, Indonesia that is an intergovernmental Organization of pepper producing countries established in 1972 under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific(UNESCAP). 

He is well known for his contributions on epidemiology and management of Phytophthora foot rot disease of black pepper and his pioneering work on biological control of Phytophthora. He played a key role in developing Phytophthora tolerant black pepper variety IISR Shakthi. His work on Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria with special reference to the mechanisms involved in their action and factors affecting their efficacy, have culminated in the development of PGPR formulations that markedly enhance yield in spices especially black pepper, ginger and seed spices. The formulations Biopower G for ginger and Biomix Bp for black pepper are being commercialized. The technology to deliver PGPR in the seeds of seed spices is being patented for large scale adoption. 

To his credit he has over 250 publications besides 19 books/monographs/chapters. He also served as Editor of six books on spices and has also contributed chapters for UNESCO- EOLSS (Encyclopedia of life support system). Dr. Anandaraj has guided 5 Ph. D and 16 M. Sc students under Calicut University, Mangalore University and Nagarjuna University. He represented India in International Pepper Community, Jakarta, and has been empanelled as a member to draft Good Agricultural Practices for black pepper. He was invited by the International Pepper community Jakarta for a keynote address on integrated disease management in black pepper during the 34^th meeting at Sri Lanka during Sep 2006 and an International Workshop in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam during August 2012. 

As the Project Coordinator of the All India Coordinated Research Project on Spices (AICRPS) for over six years with its vast network of 34 centres located in different agro-climatic zones of the country distributed in 21 states and Agricultural Universities of India, he has contributed immensely towards the cause of spices in the country in Research and development.  His diligence and coordination has ensured for cultivation of spices especially turmeric and ginger in non- traditional areas such as Maharashtra, remote and inaccessible tribal lands of Chintapalle in Andhra Pradesh, Pottangi in Orissa and Raigarh in Chhattisgarh. This has provided employment opportunities and increased economic status of the farmers who have hitherto been dependent on dry land agriculture. 

A recipient of Dr. J.S. Pruthi Award (three times) and Dr. C.S. Venkat Ram Award, UGC- CEC Subject expert Award in Life Sciences 2005, Dr. Anandaraj is currently the President of Indian Society for Spices and Fellow of National Academy of Biological Sciences, Phytopathological Society of India, Indian Society for Spices, Indian Society for Plantation Crops, Indian Society for Seed Spices, Society for Advancement of Biological Control and Fellow of Confederation of Horticultural Association of India. He has also served in the executive committee of Indian Society for Plantation Crops.