Date:04/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/04/stories/2008120454550500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Coleman memorial symposium today

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: The University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore and Dharwad, is holding the Dr. Leslie C. Coleman memorial national symposium on plant protection for three days from Thursday.

The symposium is a tribute to Leslie C. Coleman, who began research into plant protection 100 years ago (1908) in Karnataka. Experts in the field of plant protection and plant pathology will participate in the conference.

Speaking to presspersons here on Wednesday, UAS, Bangalore Vice-Chancellor P.G. Chengappa said the Mycology and Entomology divisions in the Agriculture Department had been set up by Dr. Coleman in 1908. He was appointed the first mycologist and entomologist in the princely State of Mysore. He served in Mysore till 1934.

Initiatives

Dr. Coleman was the Director in Agriculture for 22 years during which he implemented several initiatives to improve farming methods in the State. He was instrumental in the establishment of several research firms and institutes, including the Coffee Research Institute at Balehonnur.

He also played a major role in establishing the sugar factory at Mandya.

Dr. Coleman left such an indelible mark on the farming sector of the State that the Department of Agriculture also came to be known as ‘Coleman’s Department’.