About The Dean
Dr. K. Venkatesan, Ph.D.,
Dean (Horticulture) i/c
Horticultural College and Research Institute,
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University,
Coimbatore – 641 003
Dr. K. Venkatesan previously have been served as a Professor and Head, Coconut Research Station, Aliyarnagar and Department of Spices and Plantation Crops, HC&RI, TNAU, Coimbatore assumed charge as Dean (Horticulture) in charges for HC&RI, TNAU, Coimbatore from 01.06.2025. He home made following contributions
As a Teacher
- Handled 39 UG courses for B.Sc Hons (Hort.), B. Tech (Hort) and B.Sc. (Agri) and a total of 35 courses for PG programme (M.Sc: 17 and Ph.D: 18). Handled three off campus courses and nine diploma courses as course teacher.
- Guided 15 post graduate and 5 Ph.D., students as chairman and guided more than 22 M. Sc and 11 Ph. D students as member of Advisory Committee to carry out their research programme.
- Panel Expert – Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education (Horticulture)
- Actively took part in restructuring the revised syllabus (ICAR based)for Horticultural courses and ICAR Accreditation
As a Researcher
- Received Best Researcher Award from TNAU, Coimbatore during 2021 and 2014.
- A total number of Six varieties/ hybrids and one technology were developed and released for commercial adoption.
- One Patent – AI driven capsicum harvesting device
- Executed and handled 14 University Research Projects, out of which twelve have been completed
- A total of 17 externally funded schemes were obtained to the tune of Rs. 198.15 lakhs to strengthen the research programmes in the area of Horticultural crop and from one of the projects, A best muskmelon type was identified from one of the completed Externally funded schemes
- Technologies on protected cultivation of vegetables, post harvest strategies in fruits and vegetables, Off season production of coriander and Rapid Multiplication Technique (RMT) for Turmeric through protray system has been standardized
- Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) was signed between TNAU and NRC on Seed Spices, Ajmer, Rajasthan to strengthen the research in seed spices
- Served as variety release Committee member (Tuber crops) expert committee member, Screening committee, Selection committee and Coconut mother palm selection member in state government programmes and TNAU
- Member to implement the NHM DMC, CDB team inspection, TNPSC and ASRB Confidential Assignment
As a Extension Worker
- In-charge of e-content validator for Agri Tech Portal at Department of Spices and Plantation Crops, HC&RI, Coimbatore
- Conducted more than 55 Front Line Demonstrations, MLT, ART and OFT for TNAU varieties and hybrids in farmers fields for the dissemination of technology.
- Several field visits were made to solve field problems and farmers queries were answered through letter, e-mail and over phone
- Resource Person in training programmes to Agricultural Officers, Scientist and Farmers growers
- Disseminated information through 10 books, 12 book chapters, 70 research articles and 86 research abstracts. Delivered radio talks and Dordarshan programmes for the welfare of farming community
- Obtained schemes from various resources and organized 26 training programmes in different horticultural crops and more than 3000 farmers were benefitted
Institutional Development
- Co-ordinator for establishment of New Turmeric Research Centre at Bhavanisagar, Erode (Dt.)
- Contractual seed production of vegetable crops has been done in farmers field and generated revenue which was utilized for the infrastructure development ie. New additional office building cum seminar hall and vehicle support to the Department of Vegetable Crops, TNAU, Coimbatore under Revolving fund scheme.
- Established Seed storage structure at Department of Vegetable Crops, HC&RI, TNAU, Coimbatore.
- Coconut Research Station, Aliyarnagar and Dept. of Spices and Plantation Crops has been accredited as main center for conservation of Coconuts and Turmeric germplasm respectively
Contact Detail:
Dean (Horticulture) i/c
Horticultural College and Research Institute,
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University,
Coimbatore – 641 003
Phone: +91422-6611270, 6611371(O), 9486056711
Email: deanhortcbe@tnau.ac.in, irenevetha17@gmail.com
Website: www.tnau.ac.in