Dr. Ganpat Lal Sharma, a retired professor from Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture & Technology, dedicated 35 years to teaching during which he spent 25 years on practical farming. He mentored 50 postgraduates and 5 PhD students, authored 50 research papers, and contributed to public outreach through talks, articles, and radio programs. With hands-on farming experience, Dr. Sharma’s work reflects his commitment to advancing agricultural education and empowering future generations.

Dr. Ganpat Lal Sharma is a retired Professor from Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture & Technology. From 1979 to 2016, he served in various capacities at the university, primarily focused on teaching.

With a career spanning 35 years in education during which he also managed the university’s farm for 25 years , he mentored 50 postgraduate and 5 PhD students, and authored 50 research papers in various journals. In addition, Dr. Sharma has contributed articles to journals, participated in talk shows on Akashvani, and delivered lectures for NGOs.

With hands-on farming experience in all agricultural processes from sowing the seeds to reaping the produce, acquired because he used to work in the field with his own hands, Dr. Sharma developed a strong bond with farmers, sharing practical agricultural knowledge. After retiring from MPUAT in 2016, he joined Pacific College of Agriculture as Professor & Head, where he supervised 15 MSc students and taught both BSc and MSc students.

Considering his experience, Dr. Sharma takes pride to share that today he can manage 10,000 hectares of farmland by himself taking into account the problems faced by the farmers.

Talking about his inspiration and interest in teaching and agriculture, Dr. Ganpat Sharma shares that when he was studying in Fateh School, there was an agricultural college opposite his school. When he was in his 10th grade, he often visited the college and gradually developed an interest in farming. Though he never had a farm of his own, he chose Agriculture as his subject and got himself enrolled in the agriculture college, recognizing the growing importance of agricultural education. Dr. Sharma believes agriculture education is very necessary and important and that students should pursue this field with equal enthusiasm and dedication.

Shedding light on the opportunities in agriculture, Dr. Ganpat Sharma highlights that it is a vast field. The field offers a broad scope in teaching, research, and doing jobs in the private sector, including fertilizer, pesticide, and seed companies. He emphasizes that those pursuing a BSc in Agriculture will not only find opportunities for themselves but can also create employment for others as it is a very strong degree. After receiving proper training, he notes, they can explore careers in crop cultivation, horticulture, dairy, animal husbandry, poultry, and more.

Reflecting on his early days, Dr. Ganpat Sharma says he was born and brought up in Udaipur. He studied at the Vidya Niketan School, Badnor ki Haveli, Udaipur followed by Fateh Secondary School and Guru Gobind School, after which he took admission in the agriculture college. Dr. Sharma shares that he  came from a lower middle class family. His father was a mason and watching him work inspired Dr. Sharma to work hard. He believes it is due to his father's blessings that he was able to retire as a professor.

Discussing his challenges, Dr. Sharma shares that the University of Agriculture was established a long time ago, during a period when law and order issues persisted in Udaipur. Consequently, the years from 1980 to 1985 were difficult for all faculty and staff members. However, the situation gradually improved, and things eventually got back on track.

When asked about his role models, Dr. Sharma cites his college professor, Dr. Hargyan Singh, a renowned scientist, as his inspiration. He shares that he learned a great deal from him, which fueled his passion for working in the field of education. It was because of him that he found a job in the university, and if he would not have been here, Dr. Ganpat would also have worked somewhere else.

Advising aspiring agriculture educators, Dr. Ganpat Sharma recommends gaining hands-on experience in what they teach, as this will benefit both the students and their learning. He emphasizes that merely studying and then teaching is insufficient; it is the real-world experience shared by educators that enhances knowledge. Dr. Sharma further highlights the importance of practical experience in agriculture, stressing the need to visit farms and understand the realities on the ground.

In his message to the youth of the country, Dr. Sharma emphasizes that India has a large population, and farmers play a crucial role in ensuring food availability. He urges the citizens to support farmers in food production and to strive to conserve resources as much as possible. Dr. Sharma highlights the importance of water and land resources, stating that their degradation will hinder our ability to support future generations.