Professor P K Shetty

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a) An Analysis of Regional and Sectoral Imbalances in the Development of Science & Technology in India, Sponsored by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. April 2005 – April 2008. Dr. P.K. Shetty, Principal Investigator.

The project was initiated to address some of the following questions: How far has India progressed in science and technology? Is there a gap between parts of India in progress in science and technology, and in higher education and research? Any such gaps are unhealthy and are likely to impede the country’s overall progress in S&T and thus the sustainability of its economic and social well-being. Based on its findings, the project suggested ways to alleviate the country’s disparities in science and technology development, beginning with selected regions and in selected spheres. The final report was submitted to The Department of Science and Technology, Government of India in 2007.

b) A National Survey on Use (and Misuse) of Pesticides, sponsored by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. December 2002 – May 2005. Dr. P.K. Shetty, Principal Investigator.

This project was initiated in December 2002 and the fieldwork was carried out in 290 villages in 28 districts covering 12 States. This project developed for the first time in India- software aided database on pesticides. b) And also submitted a comprehensive report to the Department of Science and Technology on Crop Protection Practices for India: Strategies for sustainability and self-reliance. The project reported several facts on the input driven agriculture, the problems of pests and diseases, and the unsustainable agricultural practices that it leads to, the socio-economic and health externalities resulting in farmers’ distress. The final report of this project was submitted to The Department of Science and Technology, Government of India in 2005.

c) Causes and Remedies for Farmers’ Distress in Karnataka

August 2001 – April 2002. The Commissionerate of Agriculture, Government of Karnataka awarded a research grant “to investigate causes and remedies for farmers distress in Karnataka’ to the Agricultural Development & Rural Transformation Unit, Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore. Prof. R.S. Deshpande was the Principal Investigator and Dr. P K Shetty was one of the Joint Investigators for this project.

The project team conducted field studies in different parts of Karnataka and made in-depth analysis on causes of agrarian distress in the State. The report was submitted to Commissionerate of Agriculture, Government of Karnataka in April 2002.

d) A Pilot Study on Use (and Misuse) of Pesticides in a Few Pesticide-use Predominant Areas in India sponsored by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. April 1999 – May 2001, Dr. P.K. Shetty, Principal Investigator.

The project surveyed the use and abuse of pesticides in agriculture and other related areas in selected hot spots of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Punjab. The study looked at issues of pest fauna change, pest resurgence, occupational and health hazards, and abuse of pesticides involving suicides/social implications. The final report of this research program was submitted to Department of Science and Technology, Government of India in December 2001.

e) Bioremediation of Contaminated Soils and Effluents

Sponsored by the Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences, Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, June 1995 – June 1998. Dr. P.K. Shetty, Principal Investigator. Co-investigators Dr. K.M. Madhyastha, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and Dr. K. Raghu and Dr. N.B.K. Murthy, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Mumbai. This was a collaborative research program between the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore, the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and the Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Mumbai.

The primary purpose of the research was to identify efficient microbial strains capable of degrading two of the most commonly used pesticides in Indian agriculture, i.e., Atrazine and Endosulfan. A series of experiments identified some microbial species able to degrade these molecules. Among these, the fungus Mucor thermo-hyalospora was found to be efficient in transforming the toxic endosulfan molecule into a non-toxic endosulfan diol and an insignificant amount of endosulfan sulfate. This showed that the fungus metabolises endosulfan in both oxidative and hydrolytic pathways. The study also found that the organism efficiently degrades the endosulfan molecule up to a concentration of 56ml /ml. Experiments also studied the stability of atrazine and endosulfan molecules in different pH ranges and media, mixed culture fermentation, and the preference of fungal isolates for a and b isomers of endosulfan. The final report of this research program was submitted to the Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences, Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India in February 1999.

f) Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) for Hutti Gold Mine, Raichur (1994)

The Hutti Gold Mine authorities approached NIAS to conduct an Environment Impact Assessment of their mine. The Institute took the initiative in conducting soil and water analysis, with the help of scientists from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai. A brief report was submitted to the Mine authorities in 1994 about the ground realities, suggested activities to improve the quality of life and management of tailing dumps for the Hutti Gold Mine. Prof. C.V. Sundaram and Dr. P.K. Shetty of NIAS participated in this program.

h) Survey on Pesticide Usage Pattern in Bangalore District, Karnataka (1994-95)

A survey of the pesticide usage pattern in and around Bangalore was conducted during 1994–95. The vegetables grown in Bangalore are in great demand in the local market as well as in other important cities of India. The study provided valuable information on use (and abuse) of pesticide both in urban and rural districts of Bangalore. Dr. P.K. Shetty participated in this program.

i) Evolving Appropriate Criteria for Effective Research Funding by Government Agencies in India, 1993 – 94: Dr. P K Shetty helped Prof. C.V. Sundaram to design the proposal and execute the project. Department of Science & Technology, Government of India sponsored this project.

j) Formulation of Criteria for Effective R & D Funding

August 1992 – December 1993. Dr. P.K. Shetty coordinated this project.

This project critically reviewed certain major R&D projects initiated during the seventh plan, evaluated progress and achievements, difficulties encountered and how far the objectives of the projects had been achieved. DST sought these inputs for providing guidelines to on-going projects, and to subsequent projects of the eighth plan. The project was completed on time and the report was submitted to DST.

Selected projects

Tel: 080-2218 5000/2218 5120,

Fax: 080-22185028

Email: pkshetty17@gmail.com; pks@nias.iisc.ernet.in

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