FEED is conceptualized with the goal of improving marginal farmer incomes. It intends to achieve this through public and private sector advocacy, and program coalition interventions.
To support advocacy and programme delivery FEED will engage in ground-level data collection, research, and analysis to drive decision making and bring the right kind of industry partnership and experts to support “Resilience and Growth of Marginal Farmers”.
FEED is committed to transforming the agricultural landscape by deploying market-based mechanisms at scale, achieving sustainable growth, and enhancing the resilience of marginal farmers. Together with our partners, we are working to create a brighter and more prosperous future for farmers and their communities.
By improving farming practices, access to markets, and financial inclusion, we aim to significantly boost the income levels and livelihoods of marginal farmers.
We work closely with government bodies and policy-makers to advocate for policies that support the needs and rights of marginal farmers, ensuring that their voices are heard at the highest levels.
FEED provides training, resources, and support to farmers, empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt best practices and innovate.
By building strong alliances with governments, private sector entities, and NGOs, FEED fosters a collaborative environment that leverages the strengths of each partner to drive impactful outcomes.
Our initiatives are designed with sustainability in mind, ensuring that agricultural practices not only meet current needs but also preserve resources for future generations.
Chairperson
Managing Trustee
Trustee
Trustee
Advisor
Advisor
Dr. Prasun Kumar Das serves as the Secretary General of the Asia Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (APRACA), a position he has held since December 2016. Based in Bangkok, he leads APRACA in its mission to support 98 member financial institutions across 24 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on enhancing their capacities to provide sustainable financing solutions for rural and agricultural development.
With over 31 years of extensive experience in rural and agricultural development, Dr. Das has held various significant roles, including Regional Project Manager for IFAD-funded initiatives and Rural Finance Specialist for FAO. He has also directed research projects funded by DFID that emphasize farming systems aimed at improving nutrition. His background includes senior management positions within commercial banks and development financial institutions, equipping him with a robust understanding of financial systems and agricultural economics.
Dr. Das holds a PhD in Agricultural Sciences and an MBA specializing in Financial Management. He is also a certified professional in banking and finance. Throughout his career, he has authored 12 books, contributed to 20 country reports, and published 15 research articles on sustainable farm finance, reflecting his commitment to advancing knowledge in this critical field.
In his current role at APRACA, Dr. Das is instrumental in fostering strategic partnerships with governments, NGOs, and development financial institutions to promote effective agricultural finance practices. His leadership is characterized by a strong focus on capacity building, advocacy, and the implementation of innovative financing mechanisms that support smallholder farmers and enhance agricultural productivity across the region.
Advisor
Dr. Suhas P. Wani is a distinguished agricultural scientist and development expert, formerly serving as the Director of the Research Program Asia and the ICRISAT Development Centre at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India. He has also worked as an International Consultant for organizations such as IRRI, ADB, IFAD, and FAO. Currently, he serves as an International Consultant for a global NGO and is a Board Member for several institutions, including the SM Sehgal Foundation, Heirloom Seedlings an Plants, Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University in Jalgaon, and K.K Wagh Institute Of Engineering Education and Research in Nashik, Maharashtra.
With a career dedicated to enhancing agricultural productivity and improving farmer livelihoods, Dr. Wani has successfully implemented science-based interventions that have positively impacted the lives of over 10 million farmers across Asia. His innovative consortium model integrates efforts from companies, NGOs, state governments, and researchers to foster sustainable agricultural practices.
Dr. Wani's notable contributions include the Bhoochetana program, which significantly improved management options for farmers in Karnataka, resulting in an average income increase of 35% for each farmer each season, translating to approximately $453 million over seven years. He has also played a pivotal role in developing strategic papers for the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on various initiatives such as PMKSY, soil health mapping, and digital agriculture.
A recipient of numerous accolades, including a Gold Medal for his Ph.D., Dr. Wani has been recognized by various institutions for his contributions to agriculture and water management. His extensive publication record boasts over 600 research papers and book chapters, underscoring his commitment to advancing agricultural knowledge.
Dr. Wani has held influential roles in various organizations, including serving on Unilever’s Sustainable Agriculture Advisory Board (SAAB) and as a jury member for the JSW-Times of India Earth Care Award. His expertise continues to shape policies and practices aimed at doubling farmers' incomes and enhancing food security across South Asia.
Advisor
Dr. Sudhir Kumar Goel is a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in the fields of science, administration, and agriculture. He holds a PhD in Physics from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and a Master's in Development Studies from the University of Bath, UK. His career began as a researcher in nuclear physics at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre before he joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1982.
Throughout his tenure in the IAS, Dr. Goel has held several senior positions within the Government of Maharashtra, primarily focusing on agriculture and cooperatives. Notably, he served as the Agriculture Commissioner and Secretary, Agriculture for eleven years and as the Commissioner and Secretary for Cooperatives for six years. His leadership was crucial in spearheading projects aimed at addressing farmer suicides in Vidarbha and attracting investments into integrated agricultural value chains.
Dr. Goel has extensive experience managing projects funded by prominent international organizations, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. His work has significantly improved agricultural practices and farmer livelihoods across Maharashtra.
In addition to his administrative roles, Dr. Goel, along with World Economic Forum, has been instrumental in establishing a public-private partnership framework aimed at enhancing integrated value chains within agriculture. Since retiring from government service on June 30, 2015, he has continued to contribute as an advisor to the agribusiness sector as a freelance consultant, focusing on sustainable agricultural development.
His contributions to agriculture have earned him recognition as a thought leader in the sector, where he remains actively engaged in initiatives that promote collaboration between public and private sectors to drive agricultural innovation and productivity.
Advisor
Mr. P V S Suryakumar is a seasoned development banker with over three decades of experience in the agricultural and rural development sectors. He served as the Deputy Managing Director of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), where he played a pivotal role in various capacities since joining the organization in 1986. His extensive expertise encompasses project appraisal, project management, capacity building, training administration, and the design and implementation of livelihood and natural resource management projects.
Throughout his career at NABARD, Mr. Suryakumar has been instrumental in institutional development and corporate policy advocacy, significantly contributing to the enhancement of rural infrastructure and livelihoods across India. His leadership has facilitated numerous initiatives aimed at improving agricultural practices and supporting rural communities.
In addition to his role at NABARD, Mr. Suryakumar is actively involved in several professional affiliations. He serves on the Advisory Board of Social Projects at the Art of Living, is a Social Entrepreneurship Partner at The/Nudge Institute, and holds a directorship at the Grameen Foundation India.
Academically, Mr. Suryakumar holds two Master's degrees: one in Plant Genetics from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi (1986), and another in Sustainable Development from Staffordshire University, UK (2010). He is also a Commonwealth Scholar and an Associate of the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance.
As an author, he has contributed to literature on sustainable agriculture and development banking, including two notable books. His insights on policy issues are regularly featured in op-ed columns of business newspapers, reflecting his commitment to advancing agricultural development through informed discourse.
Lead
Research Associate
Office Unit No.1 C.S-2, Neeti Bagh, New Delhi-110049
contact@feed.net.in
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