Interview by Kritika Gupta

OU

Dr. Yogendra Mohan Kool is designated as the Dean Faculty of Agriculture at Oriental University (OU), Indore. He has more than 35 years of experience in teaching, research and administration. His qualification includes a B.Sc. in Ag. Engg., M.Tech and a Ph.D. He is a receiver of various awards and recognition - IIT Kharagpur scholarship for PG studies, Netherlands Government Fellowship (International), Dorr-Oliver prize for micro-minor methods of groundwater recharge and Shanker Memorial Award (ISAE).

Experience in the education industry and what makes it the best

By the grace of Almighty, we have a wonderful experience in the education industry. My wife Mrs. Jyotsna Kool has also served as a teacher and Principal in this sector. It makes the best industry once you find friends and students. In my entire career, I have made few good connections with the Dean of Kerala Agriculture University, Trichur, Director CIAE, Bhopal, Director Instructions IIT, Kharagpur, Project Director WTC, IARI, Pusa, New Delhi and several others holding very responsible positions serving the nation. I feel honored and wish almighty God to shower blessings on them.

Dr. Kool view on Agriculture in India

We realize that the interactive mode of education is the best. Agriculture in India is the means of livelihood of almost two-thirds of the workforce in the country. It employs nearly 62% of the country’s total population and occupies 42% of its total geographical area. Agriculture, at present, is at a critical juncture.

Stagnation of production in cereals, erratic behavior of climate, cost escalation of inputs, lower farm income, degradation and depletion of natural resources, inadequacy in the availability of quality seed and planting material, diversified market demands are some of the burning problems. Interactive mode provides to understand share and learn some of these issues with the students to plan manpower and resources using cutting-edge technologies like biotechnology and molecular biology, information and communication technology, physical sciences, nanotechnology, etc.

Is the curriculum of OU in level to Industry standards?

With regards to the curriculum of Oriental University the Vth Deans committee report prepared by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research is followed for best practice of this agriculture education Industry. We try to maintain the standards of education in every way possible - conducting workshops/ seminars/ inviting experts from the industries.

State of agriculture in India and methods to educate the students about it

In view of the changing national needs and the emergence of new problems, it has become essential to redefine goal in agriculture education, research, and technology. There is a need to transfer strategies to capitalize on emerging opportunities for the betterment of the farming community in the State. Now-a-days, the greatest challenge is to make agriculture a profitable business. Working with a missionary zeal is essential.

A confidence building atmosphere of friendship with a vision, hope, and success is the key to establish a relationship with the students.

Goals for OU Indore in the coming years

The mission/ goal of the Oriental University at large is to impart education to build up the nation. In specific to our department, it is to use the information communication technology in agriculture and allied sciences. With this, research and extension activities for enhancing productivity, optimization of profit and sustainability of agricultural production systems and improving rural livelihood in the State of Madhya Pradesh.

Suggestions to the youth and aspirants

India today is not only self-sufficient in grain production but has a substantial reserve also. There is a need to improve higher education, research, and technology dissemination in the field of agriculture and allied sciences. My suggestion to the youth is to be more aware with the ongoing scenarios and happenings around the world. This means, to be aware of the policies, strategies that are followed, programs and activities happening in their current field. They should try to play a leading role in the betterment of the farming community in the State.