Mysore/Mysuru: Dr. Vasanth Kumar Thimakapura, an internationally acclaimed agricultural scientist, innovator and social entrepreneur from Mysuru, has been elected as a Fellow of the World Academy of Productivity Science (WAPS) — a rare and prestigious global recognition awarded to individuals who have made outstanding and sustained contributions to productivity science and practice for the benefit of society.

The World Academy of Productivity Science, headquartered in Canada, honours leaders from across the globe whose work significantly advances productivity, sustainability and societal well-being.

The Fellowship will be formally conferred on him during the “Global Summit on Productivity in the Age of AI” to be held on Aug. 20 and 21 at Le Meridien, New Delhi, where Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will be the chief guest.

Dr. Vasanth Kumar’s selection is in recognition of his pioneering innovations in sustainable agriculture, including the development of eco-friendly products like POWER PLUS for managing plant virus diseases and PHYTON-T for controlling root rot and enhancing crop health. His farmer-centric approach, integrating science, technology, and social entrepreneurship, has transformed the livelihoods of thousands of farmers in India and abroad.

An alumnus of the University of Mysore with a Ph.D. in Applied Botany, Dr. Vasanth Kumar has over three decades of experience in agricultural research and extension.