Dr. V. K. Paulpandi (Director & Nodal Officer)

Dr.V.K. PAULPANDI., Ph.D. Professor in Agronomy and Dean, Agricultural College and Research Institute Madurai, with 25 years of work experience in teaching, research and extension at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. He has served as Program Co-ordinator for ICAR-KVK, Virudhunagar District (2011-2015). Professor and Head, RRS Aruppukottai and Principal at Institute of Agriculture, RRS, Aruppukottai (2015-2018). He also served as Dean (i/c) for KRISAT, Usilampatti during October 2018 to January 2019.

He had experienced as Farm Superintendent at AC&RI, Madurai (2004-2011). During his tenure maximum production of 160 tons of paddy foundation seeds was produced and benefited by farmers of Southern Districts of Tamil Nadu. At AC&RI, Madurai during 2000-2011 and 2018, handled 19 UG, PG and Ph.D. Courses and also attended short tour (9 Days), All India tour (18 Days) and was NSS Unit Officer for B.Sc.(Ag.) Students.

At KVK, Aruppukottai, actively involved in the implementation of sponsored programmes viz. Parthenium eradication camp, ATMA project, SSI (NADP) project, INISIMP Scheme IAMWARM, Food processing and value addition, one month training programme, IPM, extension marketing etc. Involved and conducted various research project on dry lands, implementation of AICRP- ARID Zone fruits, IAMWARM, TANII scheme and release of APK-1 red gram variety during 1998.

Actively participated as a resource person for various training programmes conducted by the Department of Agriculture and allied departments of Virudhunagar district including Uzhavar Peruvizha and monthly zonal workshop. Based on active involvement during 2011-2015 at ICAR-KVK, Aruppukottai, adjudged with Best KVK award (TNAU-2012), Best Extension Worker Award (TNAU-2013) and Best presentation award (ICAR-ZPD, Bangalore-2014) and also received Best exhibition stall award during farmers day organized at Madurai and Coimbatore during 2014. As a part of extension service, actively participated in the monthly Zonal workshop and Farmers grievance day meeting, awarded Best Agriculture Service Award by the District Collector, Virudhunagar during Republic day 2016. As Principal for Institute for Agriculture at RRS, Aruppukottai (2015-17) arrangements were made for all Diploma students to get cent percent placements in various agro based companies through campus interview.

He has published eight books with ISBN and two books without ISBN, three book chapters, 32 National and International Research Articles, 27 conference/seminar/symposium papers, 26 teaching manuals and technical bulletin booklets and 97 popular articles.