Mysore/Mysuru: Dr. Vasanth Kumar Thimakapura, Director – Technical, Green Lifescience Technologies, Mysuru, is a recognised agriculture scientist and a social entrepreneur with an immense commitment to the agriculture sector. To work for the betterment of farmers he quit the job as Assistant Professor at University of Mysore decades ago and it paid rich dividends in the later years.

Recently, two books authored by Dr. Thimakapura titled ‘Plant Doctor’ and ‘Krushilokadolage’ in English and Kannada respectively were released by Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji at a function held at Vijnana Bhavana, Manasagangothri.

‘Plant Doctor’ is a practical manual for diagnosis and management of deficiencies, diseases and insect pests. It’s a photographic guide to identify problems and find solutions at a glance of the images.

‘Krushilokadolage’ is a compilation of consolidated works and writings of  Thimakapura for over 35 years, that were published as cover stories in leading magazines of Kannada like Sudha, Taranga, etc. His articles and other contributions are reproduced in the form of the book. 

‘Plant Doctor’ is quite an impressive book. It is the first of its kind works in the country, based on photographic understanding and is so technically driven. Anyone without the ability to read can also understand the meaning it conveys at the cursory look of the pictures. It is aimed to help farmers identify and find solutions to crops that face threat of types in natural conditions.  All the agri-experts have opined that this is a bible for all those involved in agricultural extension and teaching.

Coming from a family of farmers, Dr. Thimakapura has dedicated his life to understand and study the farming methods and its nitty gritty. His work on screening for diseases, ‘Phyton – T’ tonic used in tobacco cultivation and his commitment to social work is commendable. He has won multiple awards both internationally and nationally and still continues to work for the betterment of the farming sector.

The book release function was attended by former Deputy Director General of ICRISAT, Hyderabad, Dr. C. L. Lakshmipathi Gowda; Mysore University Vice-Chancellor Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar; former VC Prof K.S. Rangappa; former MLA Vasu;  former VC of Gulbarga University Prof S.R. Niranjan; Registrar of Mysore University Prof. R. Shivappa, Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Mysuru District Unit President Dr. Y.D. Rajanna and writer Gubbigoodu Ramesh.