Agriculture - Personalities:

Dr. Devangi R. Prafulla Chandra

Mr. Prafulla Chandra was born in 1934 in a farmer's family as the last son of Devangi Ramanna Gowda, who himself was a reputed Agriculturist. He had introduced innovative ideas in agricultural development 90 years ago in the district. Mr. Prafulla Chandra inherits the qualities of his family. He started his agricultural activity in the year 1959. Mr. Prafulla Chandra is basically a farmer who lives every minute of his life always cheerful. He has elevated the profession of agricultural to the level of absolute art and accurate science. In his hands the farm tools have lost their roughness and have become musical instruments. The strenuous farming methods have converted into creative movements. His 46 acre farm at Hosahalli, 6 Kms from Shivamogga, Karnataka, India is a kind of Farm University, where experimentation, teaching and his dissemination of information has simultaneously issuing forth. Prafulla Chandra and his farm is very well known all over India. He has many achievements to his credit. He neither had any formal education in agriculture nor trained in modern farming methods. But still he is recognized as one of the best living agricultural scientist. Being innovative in words and action, Mr. Chandra has developed techniques and methods in the cultivation and processing of different crops which deserves worthy emulation. For many farmers, students of agricultural universities, extension workers and even to the scientists, his farm has become a place of pilgrimage. A visit to his farm is naturally a rewarding experience to all.

Mr. Prafulla Chandra has served with Zeal, Dedication and commitment in different capacities as Board of Regents, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore Senate and Syndicate Member, Kuvempu University, Shivamogga Expert Committee on Agriculture, Government of Karnataka.

Member, Rice Research Development Institute, Gaziabad

And now he is serving as.....

As a life member of Bharath Krishik Samaj and Lions Club.
Member of Indian Sugarcane Development Council, Govt. of India, Gaziabad.
Member, Coconut Development Board Govt. of India, Kochi
representing coconut growers of Karnataka
Member, State Legal Aid Board.

Awards and Recognition's received

Karnataka State Award-1970
A great Agriculturist award by Agricultural Technologist's Association of Karnataka 1972
Krishi Samrat award by Zuari Agro Chemicals, 1987
World Food Day medal from UN Food & Agricultural Organization 1988
Rastriya Ekta "Krishi Mitra" award 1995
Hon. Doctor of Science from University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-1995
State Environment Award 1996
Excellence Award – 1997