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10 POTATO GROWER | AUGUST 2019 Sometimes, people plant their agricultural roots on the same land they spend their whole lives farming. Others transplant their roots, choosing a path unfamiliar to their families and childhood friends. Kiran Shetty, Syngenta technical development lead for potatoes, definitely has chosen a path less traveled. His agricultural roots extend back to his humble beginnings in southwestern India and are now firmly planted in the U.S., where he has become a leading figure in the potato industry. Over the years, Shetty has stacked up accolades: United Nations Development Program Fellowship, best scientific paper from the Potato Association of America, ambassadorship from Syngenta Technical Services. He is the inspiration behind Syngenta's "Spud Doctor" agronomic video series. But his true legacy is the kindness, expertise and dedication he brings to those around him. "Dr. Shetty was very supportive last fall at Syn- genta grower meetings," says Kasia Duellman, an extension seed potato specialist at the University of Idaho. "It's important for us newbies to have that support from seasoned professionals." Early Roots Shetty grew up on his grandfather's farm in southwestern India, in a house without power or running water. His desire to help kicked in at an early age. "As a kid, I created little irrigation systems, break- ing small pipes and building channels to water my plants," Shetty says. "Knowing I'd helped the plants produce fruit gave me a sense of accom- plishment. The fruit and the brownie points it earned me at home were nice, too." Shetty's father sold crop protection equipment and taught Shetty how the machines worked. This experience triggered Shetty's understanding that technology could improve agriculture. Expanding Horizons Shetty attended the University of Agricultural Sciences in Bengaluru, India, and received the United Nations Development Program Fellow- ship to pursue his master's degree. The demand for potatoes that the fast-food industry spurred Kiran Shetty, Syngenta technical development lead, has made several major contributions to the potato industry during his long career.