Mysore/Mysuru: “Krishilokadolage….” a Kannada book authored by Dr. Vasanth Kumar Thimakapura, a well-known agri-scientist of the city, has been selected for Best Book of the Year Award by Karnataka Science and Technology Academy. The award carries a certificate and cash prize of Rs. 25,000. The Academy selects one book each from Agriculture, Science, Technology and Medical Science categories as Best Book in respective fields published in the particular year. 

 “Krishilokadolage…” is the culmination of several decades’ research, field experience and lessons learnt from farmers, scientists and common people, says the author. Dr. Thimakapura has also authored a monumental book Plant Doctor, which is a practical and pictorial manual for all those interested in agriculture. 

Recently, he has saved several dying neem trees through his innovative methods at his own cost. He is known for saving several endangered crops of poor and gullible farmers in various villages every year. His breakthrough research to cure Papaya ring spot virus disease has been widely recognised by his peer scientists and more importantly by papaya growers. 

He is a recipient of Best Science Communicator Award (2011) and Karnataka Rajyotsava award (2013).