Dr. Harishankar Kanthaswamy |  Agricultural Economics | Best Researcher Award

Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, India

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Harishankar K. embarked on his academic journey with an unwavering passion for agricultural economics. His foundational education at Keshav Vidya Mandir Hr. Sec. School and P.K.D. Matric. Hr. Sec. School in Pollachi set the stage for his higher learning endeavors. Excelling in his formative years, he achieved commendable academic records, securing 86.2% in S.S.L.C. and 85% in HSC, reflecting his dedication to academic excellence from an early age.

Driven by an interest in agricultural sciences, he pursued a B.Sc. in Agriculture from Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, Pollachi, graduating with an impressive 84.80% in 2015. His inclination toward agricultural economics led him to Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, where he completed his M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics in 2017, securing 84.60%. His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. from the same prestigious institution in 2022, where he achieved a remarkable 89.98%, conducting his research at the International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Harishankar is committed to imparting knowledge and fostering research in agricultural economics. His academic role extends beyond traditional teaching; he actively mentors students, guiding them toward impactful research and policy development in the field. His work emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices, economic modeling, and policy evaluation, contributing to the broader agricultural landscape.

Contributions and Research Focus 🌱

Dr. Harishankar’s research primarily focuses on enhancing farm income through innovative economic strategies. His doctoral research examined interventions for boosting income in sorghum-dairy farming systems using a system dynamics modeling approach. This groundbreaking study provided insights into optimizing agricultural income through integrated farming systems. Additionally, his postgraduate research involved a comparative economic analysis of seed and conventional vegetable farms in Kerala’s Palakkad district, shedding light on the economic viability of different farming methodologies.

Beyond individual research, Dr. Harishankar has played a pivotal role in collaborative projects, such as the ICSSR-sponsored study on the “Impact of PM-KISAN Scheme on Farm Income and Agricultural Technology Adoption in South India.” His work in this area has contributed significantly to policy evaluations and the enhancement of farmer-centric schemes.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Harishankar’s contributions to agricultural economics have been widely recognized. He has been honored with prestigious awards such as the ICSSR Doctoral Fellow Award, M.S. Swaminathan Young Researcher Award, and multiple Young Researcher Awards. His excellence in research and writing has also been acknowledged through accolades like the Best Article Award from Agriculture, Food: E-Newsletter and the Best Paper Presentation Award at PAJANCOA & RI. These recognitions underscore his dedication and impact in the field of agricultural economics.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Harishankar’s influence extends beyond academia into policy research and practical agricultural advancements. His participation in various training programs, such as the International Training Workshop on Integrative Value Chain Analytics at ICRISAT and Advanced Data Analysis workshops, has enabled him to integrate advanced analytical techniques into his research. Furthermore, his engagement in conferences like the International Conference on Improving Rural Economy through Innovative Extension Approaches has allowed him to disseminate knowledge and collaborate with global experts.

His research findings have influenced agricultural policy discussions, particularly in the realm of farm income enhancement and technology adoption. Through publications and presentations, he continues to shape contemporary agricultural economic discourse, providing farmers and policymakers with data-driven insights.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

Looking ahead, Dr. Harishankar aims to expand his research on agricultural economic modeling, focusing on sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices. His future endeavors include developing comprehensive policy recommendations to improve farm income sustainability and advocating for the integration of technology in agriculture. As an educator, researcher, and thought leader in agricultural economics, his ongoing work will continue to influence students, researchers, and policymakers, shaping a more resilient and prosperous agricultural future.

With a steadfast commitment to academic excellence and impactful research, Dr. Harishankar K. stands as a beacon of knowledge and innovation in agricultural economics, striving to make meaningful contributions that enhance the livelihood of farmers and strengthen agricultural policies in India and beyond.