Karnataka - Bangalore

UAS proposes setting up Dr. Coleman study chair

— Photo: K. Gopinathan

Contribution feted: Ann Widdowson, daughter of L.C. Coleman, who was honoured by the UAS, being greeted by Minister for Medical Education Ramachandra Gowda (right) and Vice-Chancellor, UAS, Bangalore, P.G. Chengappa, in Bangalore on Thursday.

BANGALORE: University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, is all set to establish a study chair in the name of the visionary agricultural scientist Leslie C. Coleman, who was the first agricultural director of the princely state of Mysore, to conduct studies on plant protection-related issues, including diseases and pests.

Medical Education Minister Ramachandra Gowda on Thursday not only responded positively to the request in this regard by the university, but also announced a contribution of Rs. 5 lakh from his Legislators’ Local Area Development Scheme to set up the chair.

UAS Vice-Chancellor P.G. Chengappa told The Hindu that the proposed study chair would look into various issues, including the impact of environmental changes on the plant health as well as diseases.

The proposal regarding setting up of the above study chair was made by UAS former Vice-Chancellor G.K. Veeresh at “Dr. L.C. Coleman memorial national symposium” on plant protection, jointly organised here by the University of Agricultural Sciences in Bangalore and Dharwad.

Mr. Ramachandra Gowda, who was the chief guest at the seminar, quickly responded to this proposal.

Dr. Chengappa explained that the research in plant protection in Karnataka began hundred years ago with the establishment of entomology and mycology divisions in 1908 by Dr. Leslie Coleman. The seminar was organised and named after Dr. Coleman to celebrate the centenary of plant protection research in Karnataka.

Speaking on the occasion, plant protection experts noted that plant protection had become an important component of modern agriculture as nearly 30 per cent of crop loss, worth Rs. 1.4 lakh crore, was being incurred owing to pest attacks in the country. Dr. Coleman’s daughter, Ann Widdowson who had come from Canada, was honoured on the occasion.

Agriculture Minister S.A. Ravindranath came under criticism by a veteran entomologist on Thursday for not finding time to read up on agricultural issues.

Ninety-year-old S.S. Katagihallimath, who had served as entomologist in the Karnataka Government, expressed dissatisfaction over the Minister finding excuses for not reading books on agriculture. “I gave a book on important agricultural issues to the Minister and requested him to go through it so that he would get a better perspective about the problems plaguing agriculture,” he said.

“Two months later, I met the Minister. But he said he had not had time to go through the book,” Dr. Katagihallimath added.

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