Dr. Mahantesh Shirur, Deputy Director (Agricultural Extension),

Ph.D. (Agril. Extn.)

Dr. Mahantesh Shirur is working as Deputy Director (Agricultural Extension) at National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad. Presently he is heading the Center for Agriculture Extension Policy, PPP in Extension and International Center for Excellence in Agricultural Extension at MANAGE. He has expertise in developing and evaluating new methodologies in extension and communication research with emphasis on human behaviour. He has experience in integrating the knowledge from diverse disciplines into extension education and human resource management through capacity development programmes. He takes keen interest in developing the capacity of global trainers in organising the International training programmes and in influencing communication and motivation of trainers. His brief resume is given below.

Academics

• PhD in Agricultural Extension (2015) from University of Agricutlural sciences, Bangalore
• M.Sc (Agri) in Extension Education (2003) from Agriculture College, Bapatla of Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad.
• B.Sc (Agriculture) (2001) from College of Agriculture, Bijapur, University of Agricutlural sciences, Dharwad
• PG Diploma in Business Administration from Karnataka State Open University, Mysuru
• PG Diploma in Educational Management and Administration from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi.

Research Projects undertaken

• Development of web-based expert system on mushroom cultivation technology
• On farm research trials of standardised technologies of ICAR-DMR, Solan
• Information documentation and development of web-based modules for different mushrooms and their economic viability
• Digital content delivery of mushroom cultivation technology for new mushroom-preneurs
• District Pest Management Plan at Warangal Rural and Urban districts in Telangana.

Training and Extension

• Organised more than 40 national level training programmes on mushroom cultivation technology for farmers, entrepreneurs and scientists and developed 11 different training modules.
• As a programme Director of FTF ITT sponsored by USAID India and ITEC sponsored by Ministry of External Affairs, organised 17 International training programmes.
• Organised 13 campaigns and farmers fairs, workshops. Developed 07 video documentaries in both English and Hindi languages, 06 success stories, delivered several radio and TV talks.

Publications

• Peer reviewed research papers in national and international journals- 30
• Book chapters- 4
• Abstracts in proceedings of national/ international seminars- 11
• Popular and technical articles in magazines and news papers- 7
• Impact assessment and project evaluation report- 1.
• Served as editor of the research journal-Mushroom Research
• Editor of International E-bulletin of MANAGE.
• Reviewed several research papers of important scientific journals.

Important Awards and Fellowships

• Best oral presentation in the “National Symposium on advances in agriculture through sustainable technologies and holistic approaches” organised by SADHNA, Solan during 15-17 February, 2017 held at International Centre, Goa.
• Best Research Paper Read Competition in the “National Seminar on Responding to changes and challenges: New roles of Agricultural Extension” at Nagpur during 7-9th February, 2003
• Recepient of the junior research fellowship for his Post Graduation in Agricultural Extension by ICAR in 2001.
• Awards in Essay writing, debates and elocutions, etc. at Institute and University level.