Countries need to improve their agricultural productivity through disease surveillance, diagnostics, resistant breeding support, and strengthening plant health systems.
Suresh L.M, our next pathbreaker, Senior Scientist at CIMMYT ( The Global Maize Program at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center ), leads regional initiatives on maize pathology across Eastern and Southern Africa.
Suresh talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about his efforts in combating MLN (Maize Lethal Necrosis ), which emerged as a major threat to maize production, by helping establish and strengthen the MLN Screening Facility in Naivasha, Kenya, eventually becoming a globally recognized center .
For students, never let your background limit your dreams. Great achievements can begin in the smallest villages.
Suresh, Your background?
I was born and raised in Madasuru-Lingadahalli, a small farming village in Karnataka, India. My parents were farmers, and much of my childhood was spent helping them in the fields during school holidays. I participated in activities such as planting, weeding, harvesting, and crop management.
Growing up in a farming family gave me a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by farmers, including crop diseases, pests, water scarcity, and fluctuating market prices. My father was recognized as a progressive farmer by the Department of Agriculture because he continuously experimented with innovative farming practices to improve productivity.
During my school days, I enjoyed science and biology. I was curious to understand why crops became diseased and how scientific solutions could help farmers improve their livelihoods. These early experiences shaped my interest in agriculture and eventually led me to pursue a career in plant science.
Apart from academics, I enjoyed outdoor activities, working on the farm, and interacting with farmers, which helped me develop practical problem-solving skills from a young age.
What did you do for graduation/post graduation?
I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture and later my Master’s Degree in Agriculture from the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore.
My interest in crop diseases and plant health motivated me to pursue a PhD in Plant Pathology from Kuvempu University, Karnataka.
Throughout my academic journey, I focused on understanding plant diseases, disease diagnostics, crop protection, epidemiology, and agricultural research. My mentor, Professor V. G. Malathi, played a major role in guiding my scientific development and encouraging me to pursue research as a career.
What were some of the key influences that led you to an offbeat, unconventional and unusual career in Agricultural Research?
The biggest influence was my farming background. Seeing the challenges faced by farmers inspired me to find scientific solutions that could improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
Professor V. G. Malathi was one of the most important mentors in my career. He inspired me to pursue plant pathology and taught me the importance of scientific rigor and innovation.
My parents also influenced me greatly by encouraging education and supporting my aspirations.
As a child, I witnessed several crop failures caused by diseases, pests, drought, and poor market conditions. These experiences helped me understand the importance of agricultural research.
The turning point came when I realized that scientific research could directly contribute to solving real-world problems faced by farmers. I understood that improving plant health could strengthen food security and improve the lives of millions of people.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path.
My approach was simple: build a strong scientific foundation, gain practical experience, continuously learn, and focus on solving real agricultural problems that create impact.
I always believed that science should benefit society, particularly farmers who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.
After completing my education, I joined the seed industry and spent nearly two decades working in agricultural research and development.
I worked with leading seed companies and spent approximately fourteen years with Monsanto (Seminis Vegetable Seeds), where I led plant health programs focusing on disease management in vegetables and supported disease screening activities in maize and cotton.
These roles helped me develop expertise in plant pathology, breeding support, disease diagnostics, seed health, and research management.
In 2015, I joined CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) as Maize Pathologist for Sub-Saharan Africa.
At CIMMYT, I have led efforts on:
- Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) management
- Disease surveillance and diagnostics
- Resistant breeding support
- Seed health systems
- Phytosanitary risk management
- Capacity building
- Regional biosecurity initiatives
I also managed the world-renowned MLN Screening Facility in Naivasha, Kenya, which supports public and private sector breeding programs across Africa.
Throughout my career, I built strong professional relationships with scientists, regulators, seed companies, universities, National Plant Protection Organizations, development partners, and international research institutions. These collaborations played an important role in expanding the impact of my work.
I strongly believe in lifelong learning, collaboration, and innovation. Staying updated with new technologies and scientific developments has helped me remain relevant throughout my career.
How did you get your first break?
My first break came when I joined the seed industry after completing my agricultural education.
I focused on learning from experienced scientists, developing technical expertise, and consistently delivering quality work. My commitment to excellence and continuous learning helped me earn greater responsibilities and leadership opportunities throughout my career.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
● Challenge 1:
Coming from a small farming village and competing at national and international scientific levels.
How I addressed it: Through education, determination, hard work, and continuous learning.
● Challenge 2:
Managing highly complex crop diseases that affect millions of farmers.
How I addressed it: By investing in research, adopting new technologies, and collaborating with experts worldwide.
● Challenge 3:
Building regional cooperation to manage transboundary crop diseases across multiple countries.
How I addressed it: By fostering partnerships among governments, scientists, seed companies, regulators, and development organizations to achieve common goals.
Where do you work now?
I currently work as a Senior Scientist at CIMMYT and lead regional initiatives on maize pathology, plant health systems, disease surveillance, diagnostics, and food security across Eastern and Southern Africa.
What problems do you solve?
I help protect maize crops from devastating diseases, especially Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN), which can destroy entire harvests and threaten food security.
I also work on disease surveillance, diagnostics, resistant breeding, biosecurity, and strengthening plant health systems.
What skills are needed for the job? How did you acquire the skills?
Key skills include:
- Scientific thinking
- Problem-solving
- Leadership
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Data analysis
- Project management
I acquired these skills through formal education, field experience, professional training, international collaboration, and continuous learning.
What is a typical day like?
A typical day may involve reviewing disease surveillance data, visiting field trials, interacting with scientists and partners, mentoring young researchers, supporting diagnostic laboratories, conducting strategic planning meetings, and advising governments on plant health issues.
What is it you love about this job?
What I love most is knowing that my work contributes directly to protecting farmers’ livelihoods and improving food security. I also enjoy solving scientific challenges and working with talented professionals from around the world.
How does your work benefit society?
My work helps improve food security, farmer livelihoods, and agricultural sustainability.
Through disease surveillance, diagnostics, resistant breeding support, and plant health systems strengthening, I help countries reduce crop losses and improve agricultural productivity.
My work has supported governments, National Plant Protection Organizations, universities, research institutions, and seed companies across Africa in building stronger plant health and biosecurity systems.
Ultimately, the beneficiaries are millions of farming families who depend on healthy crops for food and income.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
One of the most memorable achievements of my career has been leading efforts to combat Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) across Eastern and Southern Africa.
When MLN emerged as a major threat to maize production, it posed a serious risk to food security across the continent. Working through CIMMYT, I helped establish and strengthen the MLN Screening Facility in Naivasha, Kenya, which became a globally recognized center for disease diagnostics, surveillance, resistant breeding support, and phytosanitary preparedness.
I also helped establish the Africa Regional MLN Community of Practice, bringing together scientists, regulators, universities, seed companies, and governments from multiple countries to tackle a common challenge.
This collaborative effort contributed to the development and deployment of MLN-resistant maize hybrids, strengthened surveillance systems, and improved regional preparedness against crop disease threats.
In recognition of these contributions, I received the Africa Regional Food Security Leadership Award. This prestigious award recognized leadership in transforming a major transboundary agricultural threat into a coordinated, science-driven solution that strengthened food security across Africa.
This achievement remains very close to my heart because it demonstrates how science, collaboration, and leadership can positively impact millions of farmers and their families.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
- Stay curious and keep learning.
- Build strong foundations in science and critical thinking.
- Never be afraid of challenges.
- Find mentors who can guide and inspire you.
- Be patient because success takes time.
- Focus on solving real-world problems.
- Work hard, remain humble, and continue improving yourself.
Most importantly, never let your background limit your dreams. Great achievements can begin in the smallest villages.
Future Plans?
My future plans are to continue strengthening global plant health systems through advanced diagnostics, artificial intelligence, digital surveillance, resistant breeding technologies, and biosecurity frameworks.
I also want to mentor the next generation of scientists and leaders who will address future food security challenges.
My long-term vision is to create stronger connections between science, policy, business, and society to build resilient agricultural systems that can sustainably feed future generations
A few links :
CIMMYT Scientist Receives Africa Region Food Security Leadership Award for MLN Work
