Professional Summary
Agricultural Economist with a PhD in Economics and expertise in agricultural technology transfer, smart and organic agriculture, crop modelling, climate change adaptation, and livelihood development. Experienced in agricultural value chains, FPO formation, and community livelihood diversification with extensive work across Chhattisgarh. Skilled in project planning, implementation, monitoring, stakeholder coordination, and government liaison, with a strong commitment to farmer development. Proficient in Hindi, English, and local languages.
Key Skills & Expertise
Agriculture & Livelihood Development
Dryland farming, organic farming, horticulture, and farm/non-farm enterprises
Climate Resilient Agriculture
Crop modelling, climate change adaptation, agro-ecological techniques, weather-based forecasting
Community Mobilization & SHG Promotion
Self-Help Group formation, empowerment, participatory approaches
Participatory Irrigation & NRM
PIM, lift irrigation cooperatives, watershed management, Water User Associations
Market Linkages & Value Chains
Farmer-Producer Organizations (FPOs), backward–forward market linkages, agribusiness
M&E, Reporting & Financial Management
Monitoring, evaluation, reporting, MIS, annual work plans, budgets
Strategic Planning & Project Management
Implementation, coordination, government liaison, stakeholder engagement
Technical Skills
SPSS-based statistical analysis, AI-assisted research, prompt engineering, data-driven agriculture insights
Professional Experience
Team Leader & Agribusiness Specialist
Schoolnet India Ltd., Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Client: Directorate of Agriculture, Chhattisgarh (Agriculture Development and Farmer Welfare and Bio-Technology Department)
Location: Raipur, Chhattisgarh
- Lead overall project delivery by providing technical guidance and ensuring implementation aligned with project scope.
- Oversee value chain development, execution, monitoring, and evaluation, coordinating with stakeholders and Technical Support Agencies (TSAs) to strengthen backward–forward market linkages and improve producer market access.
- Conduct market research, commodity price forecasting, and identification of institutional buyers for targeted commodities.
- Assess institutional frameworks and guide the selection, formation, strengthening, and branding of Farmer-Producer Organizations (FPOs) through TSAs.
State Programme Officer – Agriculture
Care India
Location: Chhattisgarh & Maharashtra
- Led implementation of climate-resilient agriculture initiatives through market research, extension models, and collaboration with ecosystem actors to strengthen farmer market access.
- Designed and implemented Agro-Ecological Techniques (AETs) and Farmer Field & Business School (FFBS) approaches, including pilot interventions, stakeholder capacity building, and development of crop modelling tools for agricultural decision-making.
- Promoted livelihood diversification through farm and non-farm enterprises while integrating gender and social inclusion into climate-resilient agricultural practices.
- Developed crop calendars and phenology-based planning tools for major crops, including maize, paddy, wheat, cotton, and gram.
- Supported project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, including coordination of field activities and community-level project events.
Agriculture & Natural Resource Management Expert
Watershed Organization Trust (WOTR), Pune
Client: National Rural Livelihood Mission, Ministry of Rural Development, Govt. of India
Location: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Planned, implemented, and monitored climate change adaptation initiatives, including vulnerability assessments and adaptation planning, using crop modelling and crop phenology tools under the Community Climate Adaptation Grant.
- Led capacity building on climate-smart agriculture and community-based adaptation, training State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) officials at state, district, and block levels, along with community resource persons (CRPs).
Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist – Agriculture
Netlink, Bhopal & ENV DAS (India) Pvt. Ltd. (Consortium)
Client: World Bank / Consortium
Location: Ranchi, Jharkhand
- Monitored project implementation across target areas, tracking physical and financial progress and maintaining MIS data for effective monitoring and evaluation.
- Supported development of annual work plans, budgets, milestones, and performance reports, and facilitated stakeholder review meetings.
- Strengthened capacity building and social audit processes through farmer training, field schools, and community mobilization.
- Promoted adoption of agricultural technologies, including diversified cropping systems and the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), through field-level support and technical guidance.
- Conducted field assessments to address production challenges and coordinated with district teams and specialists to improve input–output market linkages and agricultural support services.
Project Coordinator
Action for Social Advancement (ASA), Bhopal
Location: Raipur, Chhattisgarh and Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Participatory Varietal Selection and Promotion (PVSP) and Farmer Field Schools (FFS)
- Promotion of improved cultivation practices such as System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and System of Wheat Intensification (SWI)
- Development of sustainable value chains through Responsible Soybean and Better Cotton initiatives
- Strengthening Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) and supporting the formation of Farmer-Producer Companies (FPCs)
- Managed overall operations and documentation for the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and Responsible Crop Initiative (RCI).
- Supported formation and strengthening of Farmer-Producer Companies, including input–output marketing, procurement, and stakeholder coordination.
- Established market and institutional linkages between farmers, traders, financial institutions, and government departments.
- Promoted adoption of improved agricultural production technologies for cotton, soybean, and wheat through collaboration with scientists and subject experts.
- Conducted field assessments, organized farmer training and Farmer Field Schools, and facilitated community mobilization, SHG formation, and capacity building.
PIM Expert – Participatory Irrigation Management & WUA Strengthening
CIDP / Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Client: CIDP, Water Resources Dept., C.G. / ADB
Location: Chhattisgarh, India
- Strengthened Water User Associations (WUAs) to improve irrigation management, agricultural productivity, and rural livelihoods under the Chhattisgarh Irrigation Development Project.
- Facilitated implementation of the Chhattisgarh Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) Act, including operationalization of rules, bylaws, and institutional arrangements between the Water Resources Department and WUAs.
- Coordinated with government departments, farmer organizations, and private stakeholders to support irrigation management, agricultural development planning, and agriculture support services.
- Led capacity building and training programs for WUA members and trainers, and supported development of market linkages with the private sector, banks, and organized input–output markets.
Irrigated Agriculture Expert
CIDP, Water Resources Department / Asian Development Bank
Client: CIDP, Water Resources Dept., C.G. / ADB
Location: Chhattisgarh, India
- Trained and supported field staff (SCOs, COs) and farmers to implement seasonal cropping plans, diversified cropping systems, and the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) across project areas.
- Strengthened farmer capacity through training programs, Farmer Field Schools, and community mobilization, promoting improved agricultural practices.
- Conducted field assessments in CIDP irrigation systems to identify production challenges and supported WUAs in planning and implementing input–output marketing and collective agricultural actions.
- Contributed to the development of crop modelling and crop phenology tools, supported the formation of Farmer-Producer Companies, and assisted national and international experts in designing training materials for WUA capacity development.
Technical Expert – Agriculture
NGO Aakruthi, Hyderabad (A.P.)
Client: World Bank / Govt. of C.G. & M.P.
Location: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, India
- Organized agricultural training programs to improve crop productivity, diversified cropping systems, and market linkages.
- Coordinated with government departments, farmer organizations, NGOs, and private stakeholders to support project implementation and agricultural input–service delivery.
- Led community mobilization and awareness initiatives through meetings, workshops, and village-level engagement to promote project objectives and farmer participation.
- Promoted organic/biodynamic farming, micro-irrigation, dryland agriculture, and natural resource management, while strengthening value chains, capacity building, and women's empowerment.
Junior Agriculture Officer
Agriculture Insurance Company of India Ltd., Regional Office, Raipur
Client: Banks & Farmers
Location: Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
- Supported implementation of crop insurance schemes, including Versa Bima and the National Agriculture Insurance Scheme, contributing to policy execution, underwriting, claim processing, and investigations at the state level.
- Established backward and forward linkages among farmers, government departments, banks, and financial institutions to strengthen crop insurance delivery systems.
- Conducted farmer awareness programs, field trainings, and community mobilization to promote crop insurance adoption and improve understanding of agricultural risk management.
- Coordinated with development partners, NGOs, and farmer groups to support contract farming initiatives, capacity building, marketing intelligence, and effective program implementation.
Senior Research Fellow
Central Institute of Agriculture Engineering (CIAE), Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Assessed farmers' mechanization needs and evaluated improved rice–wheat production technologies suitable for local conditions.
- Conducted adaptive trials and impact assessments of mechanization equipment to support technology adoption by farmers.
- Organized field demonstrations, Farmer Field Schools, and training programs to promote modern agricultural equipment and practices.
- Collected and analyzed data on mechanization technologies and supported development proposals for polyhouse cultivation, raised-bed nurseries, and vermicompost units.
Research Associate
Indira Gandhi Agriculture University, Raipur
Client: Department of Agriculture & Natural Resource Economics, IGAU, Raipur
Location: Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
- Survey of Villages of Bastar and Sarguja Districts (C.G.).
- Data Collection & Analysis, Compilation of Secondary & Primary Data.
- Data Interpretation and Report writing.
Social Organizer
Global Synergetic Foundation, Uttar Pradesh
Client: Global Synergetic Foundation, Uttar Pradesh
Location: Ghazipur, Varanasi, and Jaunpur Districts, Uttar Pradesh
- Built capacity of Panchayat members, block-level nodal officers, and SHG leaders to support the formation, management, and monitoring of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
- Facilitated formation of farmers' committees and SHGs across Ghazipur, Varanasi, and Jaunpur districts to strengthen community participation in irrigation management.
- Trained Panchayat members and community groups to manage river lift irrigation schemes and support participatory irrigation management (PIM).
Consulting Engagements
Supporting the Agriculture, Food, Nature and Rural Development (AFNR) Sector – Water Resources Operations across Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Also served as PIM Expert (Feb 2012–Mar 2013) and Irrigated Agriculture Expert (Apr 2009–Jan 2012) under ADB-funded CIDP projects in Chhattisgarh.
Contributing to the project Investing in Climate Resilient Agriculture in Chhattisgarh, supporting climate-resilient agriculture initiatives in the state.
Provided technical guidance under the Sustainable Livelihood & Adaptation to Climate Change project (funded by GEC/World Bank & NRLM). Supported mobile-based crop advisory systems, climate-resilient agriculture, organic farming, weather-based crop forecasting, crop modelling, and preparation of crop-specific packages of practices for the State Rural Livelihood Mission, Bhopal.
Education & Qualifications
Professional Memberships
Life Member of Indian Society of Agriculture Marketing.
Member of Editorial Board, quarterly newsletter "Kishan Sangwari", published by Chhattisgarh Irrigation Development Project, WRD Raipur.
Member of Agriculture Task Working Group in State Planning Commission, Chhattisgarh from August 2021 to date.
Training & Workshops
Agribusiness & Agri-Clinic Training
MANAGE Hyderabad (2-month certificate program), organized by Indira Gandhi Agriculture University, Raipur (Jan–Mar 2005).
Management Development Program (MDP) – Logistics & Supply Chain Management
MSME Development Institute / Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India (Sep–Dec 2008).
National Conference – Improving Farmers' Income through Agriculture & Aquaculture
ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar (Jan 2018).
Technical Trainings – Organic Cotton, Integrated Farming, Value Chain Development
Organized by KVK Jalgaon-Jamod, CHIRAAG Project (Govt. of Chhattisgarh), and Indira Gandhi Agriculture University (2020–2023).
State-Level Trainings – Environment & Social Management Framework
Agricultural Market & Value Addition Opportunities in Chhattisgarh under the CHIRAAG project (2022–2023).
Professional Development Programs – Soil Carbon Footprints, Carbon Credits, Team Building
Professional development programs and webinars on Soil Carbon Footprints, Carbon Credits in Agriculture, and Team Building & Management (2024–2025).
Study Tours
Participatory Irrigation Management
Organized by International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and Asian Development Bank. 19–25 February 2012, Ahmedabad (Gujarat) and Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh).
Goatry Value Chain Development
Organized by CHIRAAG. 7–10 November 2022. Goat Trust, Warda, Maharashtra.
Research
Projects Handled as Principal Investigator
- "Training Cum Demonstration on Mushroom Production Technology to the Entrepreneurs." Funded by the C.G. Council of Science Technology, Raipur (C.G.).
- "Training Cum Demonstration on Vermi Compost Production Technology to the Entrepreneurs." Funded by the C.G. Council of Science Technology, Raipur (C.G.).
Theses
- Thesis: "Availability, Utilization and Repaying Capacity of Crop Loan: A Discriminant Function Analysis" – submitted to IGAU, Raipur, for the award of M.Sc. (Ag.) Economics degree.
- Thesis: "Problem of Overdue in District Central Cooperative Bank, Raipur of Chhattisgarh State: An Economic Analysis (Period: 1991–92 to 2001–02)" – submitted to IGKVV, Raipur, for the award of Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Economics.
Publications
- Banafar, K.N.S., Gouraha, A.K., & Singh, A.K. (2004). Economic analysis of production and major constraints in lentil: A case study. Indian Economic Panorama, 14(3), 25–29.
- Mathankar, S.K., & Singh, A.K. (2004). Sources of information on improved crop production technology and its valuation in Madhya Pradesh. Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics, 54(1), 521–528.
- Singh, A.K., & Banafar, K.N.S. (2003). Economic analysis of the production and marketing of milk in the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh. Bihar Journal of Agricultural Marketing, 9(1–2), 34–41.
- Singh, A.K., & Banafar, K.N.S. (2005). Impact of crop loan on adoption of improved technology in paddy production in Raipur district of Chhattisgarh. Indian Cooperative Review, 42(3), 266–271.
- Singh, A.K., Banafar, K.N.S., & Bhardwaj, J.L. (2005). Participation of farm women in agricultural decision-making: A micro-level study. Indian Economic Panorama, 15(1), 56–58.
- Singh, A.K., & Banafar, K.N.S. (2006). Economic analysis of production and marketing of cauliflower in Durg district of Chhattisgarh. Agricultural Marketing, 17(3), 37–42.
- Singh, A.K., & Bhardwaj, J.L. (2004). Role of cooperative credit institutions in the adoption of improved paddy technology in the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh. Indian Economic Panorama, 14(4), 48–49.
- Singh, A.K., Koshta, A.K., & Chandrakar, M.R. (2004). Availability, utilization, and repayment of crop loans: A case study of rice growers in Raipur. Indian Cooperative Review, 2, 139–148.
- Singh, A.K., Koshta, A.K., & Chandrakar, M.R. (2007). Economic performance of District Central Cooperative Bank, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Finance India, 21(2), 561–566.
- Singh, A.K., Koshta, A.K., & Chandrakar, M.R. (2003). Socio-economic characteristics of borrowers responsible for crop loan default: A discriminant function analysis. Cooperative Perspective, 37(4), 11–18.
- Singh, R.S., & Singh, A.K. (2003). Literacy, technology adoption, factor demand, and productivity: An economic analysis. Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension, 21(1), 490–499.
- Singh, R.S., & Singh, A.K. (2003). Farm power availability pattern and its impact on food grain productivity in Madhya Pradesh. Journal of Agricultural Engineering, 39(3), 12–25.
- Singh, A.K., & Gupta, M. (2004). World Trade Organization and its impact on Indian agriculture and economy. Indian Economic Panorama, 14(1), 36–38.
- Singh, A.K., & Pandey, P.K. (2005). Export marketing of fruits and vegetables in the post-WTO regime. Indian Economic Panorama, 15(3), 56–60.
- Singh, A.K., & Pandey, P.K. (2004). Matsya Sahkarita in Chhattisgarh. Sahyog Darshan, Issue 5, October, pp. 1–4.
- Singh, A.K. (2004). Role of cooperation in rural development. Sahyog Darshan, Issue 3, August, pp. 9–10.
- Singh, A.K., & Rai, S.K. (2004). Impact of improved paddy cultivation methods. Chhattisgarh Kheti, Issue 3, July–September, pp. 10–11.
- Kumar, P., Jasveer, S., Kaushik, D., & Singh, A.K. (2004). Identification and control of harmful aquatic pests in fish farming. Agriwatch, Issue 5, New Delhi, pp. 19–21.
- Kumar, P., & Singh, A.K. (2005). Integrated fish farming (duck-cum-fish): An economic analysis. Sahyog Darshan, Issue 17–19.
- Singh, A.K., & Kumar, P. (2005). Role of cooperation in strengthening self-help groups. Sahyog Darshan, Issue 19–20.
- Kumar, P., & Singh, A.K. (2006). Importance and balanced use of fertilizers in fish farming. Sahyog Darshan, Issue 20, January 24.
- Singh, A.K. – Member of the editorial board of "Kisan Sangwari", a quarterly magazine published under the Chhattisgarh Irrigation Development Project.
- Yantrik Dhan Ropai (Hindi) – CIAE/AMD/RWMP(NATP)/2003/14.
- Self-Propelled Rice Transplanter for Mechanized Transplantation of Rice – CIAE/FIM/2003/23.
- Raised Bed Planter for Bed Planting of Wheat – CIAE/FIM/2003/29.
- Tractor-Mounted Zero-Till Seed-Cum-Fertilizer Drill – CIAE/FIM/2003/28.
- Rabi Crops of Chhattisgarh – Chhattisgarh Irrigation Development Project, Raipur.
Awards & Recognition
Young Scientist Award
Received from the Chhattisgarh Council of Science and Technology, Raipur, for exemplary achievements in the domain of Social Science.
Young Scientist Award
Bestowed by the Society of Krishi Vigyan Association of Aquaculture, ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, for noteworthy contributions to the field of Social Science (Aquaculture).
Best Social Worker Award
Presented by the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Govt. of Chhattisgarh, in recognition of social development works related to livelihood promotion through agriculture-based activities in Tribal areas over the past 20 years.
Recognition for Social Impact
Awarded by the Minister of Agriculture, ST, SC, OBC & Minority Development, Govt. of Chhattisgarh, for spearheading successful livelihood promotion initiatives through agriculture in tribal communities for the past two decades.
Additional Work Experience
Subject Matter Specialist – Agronomy
CropIn Technology Solutions, Bengaluru
Provided technical guidance under the Sustainable Livelihood & Adaptation to Climate Change project (funded by GEC/World Bank & NRLM). Supported mobile-based crop advisory systems, climate-resilient agriculture, organic farming, weather-based crop forecasting, crop modelling, and preparation of crop-specific packages of practices for the State Rural Livelihood Mission, Bhopal.
Agriculture & Horticulture Knowledge Specialist (Consultant)
Asian Development Bank (ADB), Philippines
Supporting the Agriculture, Food, Nature and Rural Development (AFNR) Sector – Water Resources Operations across Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Part-Time Senior Consultant
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Italy
Contributing to the project Investing in Climate Resilient Agriculture in Chhattisgarh, supporting climate-resilient agriculture initiatives in the state.
Languages
| Language | Speaking | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Hindi | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
Extra Curricular Activities
Get In Touch
Address
Dr. Akhilesh K. Singh
H.No. A/4, Duplex, Front of Garden,
Vishal Nagar, Raipur (C.G.)
Pin – 492006
Date of Birth
August 01, 1975