D M Hegde
Living for a cause greater than self
- Childhood and Education (1950-1976)
I was born in a freedom fighter’s farming family in a remote village in North Canara (now Uttara Kannada) district of Karnataka State. I studied up to 4th standard in the village school and had to go to three different places in the district to complete education up to Pre-University. Even from childhood, I had the fortunate experience of working on field and plantation crops, as well as in animal husbandry.
Although I gained admission in both the Regional Engineering College, Suratkal, and the Karnataka Medical College, Hubballi, fate took me to study agriculture. Received my B.Sc. (Agri) and M.Sc. (Agri) degrees from the College of Agriculture, Dharwad, and my PhD from IARI, New Delhi.
I was able to top the University at each stage, and I also topped in the all-India Agricultural Research Service (ARS) examination.
- Initial Career in ICAR (1976–1988)
I was selected as a Scientist S-1 in the first batch of ARS by ICAR and posted to the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, in 1976. Initially, I worked on medicinal and aromatic plants for five years and later, on promotion as Senior Scientist, worked on water management of fruits and vegetables. My work led to excellent publications and brought me recognition as a promising bright Agronomist.
During this period, I also had the opportunity to undergo advanced training in water management at the Water Technology Centre, IARI, New Delhi, and at three US Universities on a UNDP Fellowship.
- Research Leadership in Mid-Career (1988-1998)
As Project Coordinator of AICRP (Agronomy) at the Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram, Meerut, I guided and coordinated research on farming/cropping systems in the country and introduced a systems perspective in all the work being planned and implemented.
As Project Coordinator (Safflower), from 1994-1998, I coordinated and guided Safflower research in the country.
I initiated a manual containing guidelines for field experimentation in both those projects, which later became a model for all the Coordinated Projects in the country.
- Research Leadership in Oilseeds (1998-2011)
As Director, Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR), Hyderabad, I was responsible for research efforts in six oilseed crops, namely, sunflower, castor, safflower, sesame, Niger seed, and linseed.
I generated large funding support through external agencies, which was larger than the plan funds received from ICAR. As a result, new initiatives were taken up in seed production, farm development and inter-institutional collaboration.
During this period, IIOR was considered one of the best institutes in the country, evidenced by the fact that many Institutional Awards of ICAR were won by it, in addition to many individual awards won by IIOR scientists.
IIOR emerged as the source of all information pertaining to oilseeds and vegetable oils in the country. Based on the input given by the Institute, many new schemes/ initiatives were launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.
- Advice to Future Scientists
Please finalize your experimental details only after wide consultation with different sections of expertise available. Doing so will enable you to get output that has greater relevance and practical use.
Do not have pre-conceived ideas about experimental results. Be honest in collecting and reporting data. Never underestimate your potential and capabilities.