Mysuru: Dr. K.C. Prashant Kumar has taken over as the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Mysuru Division. He replaces H.T. Hanumanthappa.

Prashant Kumar hails from Dhannur Village in Bidar district and has a Ph.D. (Genetics), from Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), the country’s premier national institute for agricultural research, education and extension, New Delhi.

He completed his B.Sc. Agriculture at University of Agriculture and has been a university gold medallist and in 2008, he was awarded the ‘golden boy of the year-2008’ award for securing 10 gold medals for outstanding academic performance in various subjects.

Later he completed his master’s in Genetics and Plant Breeding at IARI and secured the doctorate from the same institute. In 2015, Prashant Kumar got selected for three central govt appointments — Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) as Assistant Commandant, Indian Revenue Service and Indian Forest Service (Karnataka cadre) – but chose IFS.

He did his on the job Training for 4 months at Sullia, Dakshina Kannada district and served as Assistant Conservator of Forests at Male Mahadeshwara Hills for one year.