PROFILE

Professor Dr. P. MURUGESA BOOPATHI
B.Sc.(Ag), M.Sc.(Ag), Ph.D

Vice-Chancellor
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Coimbatore, India


Prof. Dr. P. Murugesa Boopathi assumed charge on 4 June 2009 as the Vice Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). He graduated B.Sc. (Agriculture) at the Agricultural College and Research Institute, Coimbatore in 1972. He completed his M.Sc. (Ag.) Programme during 1988 and Ph.D. Programme during 1995 in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry.
Dr. Murugesa Boopathi has offered several Undergraduate, Post Graduate and Ph.D. courses through innovative teaching methods and guided many M.Sc. and Ph.D. students. Before becoming Vice-Chancellor, he made outstanding contribution to TNAU and Government of Tamil Nadu by his position as Liaison Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture as well as the Director of Planning and Monitoring. He has taken active role in shaping Government Policies. He served in various capacities in Tamil Nadu Agricultural Graduates Association such as State Vice-President; Tamil Nadu Research Officers' Association & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Teachers' Association as State General Secretary; Indian Society of Soil Science, Coimbatore as Vice-President, and in Indian Society of Agricultural Resource Management.
He has operated 19 research projects funded by International and National funding agencies worth several crores.
Achievements

  • As an eminent Researcher, Dr. Murugesa Boopathi has developed the Software and Soil Health Card linked to "Decision Support System for Integration of Fertilizer Recommendation" (DSSIFER).

  • He has formulated fertilizer prescriptions for major field crops such as Rice, Cholam, Ragi, Maize, Cotton, Tobacco, Groundnut and Wheat and for horticultural crops such as Potato, Carrot, Cabbage and Cauliflower.

  • He delivered valuable methodology and technology information to Entrepreneurs, research workers, extension personals as a resource person for various training programmes.

  • He has played key role in extending facilities to the farmers for soil and water analysis at concession rates. He has prepared several technical bulletins / pamphlets / leaflets on Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) to create awareness among the farmers about the importance of soil health.

  • He has distributed the TNAU Soil Health Card to the farmers at the cost of Rs.10/- per card and nearly 33,000 Leaf Colour Chart (LCC) for Nitrogen Management in Rice to the Department of Agriculture for distribution among the farmers.

  • He has made precious contribution for Institutional Development of TNAU. He has been instrumental for obtaining the Agricultural Research & Information System (ARIS) project funded by ICAR to the tune of Rs.50 lakhs.

  • He has established Soil Testing Labs in Southern Regional KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendras). Developed modern technologies for Integrated Plant Nutrient Supply System. He made a pioneering role for undertaking Nitrate Pollution studies in the soils of intensively cultivated areas in Coimbatore District.

Publication and Visits

  • Dr. Murugesa Boopathi is life member for more than 9 Professional Societies. He has published more than 20 research articles in International, and 45 research articles in National Journals. He has documented Soil Science information in more than 25 books. He has visited many countries like Israel, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, U.S.A., Australia, France, Thailand, Japan, China, South Korea and Sri Lanka on various official assignments.

Brought up
Dr. Murugesa Boopathi is a man of self-discipline, kind natured, and proactive personality. He is a vegetarian. He accomplishes extraordinary tasks with pleasant approaches. He is a compassionate as well as visionary administrator, having competence in understanding different personalities. He remembers the needs of employees and does his best for their satisfaction and better performance appropriately.

Dr. Murugesa Boopathi was born to Mr. Palanimuthu and Mrs. Indirani in Thiruvandipatti village in Salem district. He completed his school studies in Bharathi Vidyalaya High School, Salem town. He is married to Mrs. M. Jansi Rani during 1974. His son Dr. M. Dinesh Kumar, M.D. is a Doctor practicing at Madras Medical Mission, Chennai. His Daughter-in-law Dr. L. Kiruthika, B.D.S. is a Dentist, doing private practice at Chennai. He has two grand children: Baby D.K. Sanjana (5 Yrs) and Master D.K. Naren Shayam (3 Yrs).