Biography
I have a PhD in Microbiology with emphasis on mycorrhizal fungi. I have researched extensively on the use of fungi as biofertilizer for the improvement of crop plants. My work as a research associate has involved designing plant based vectors for alleviating both biotic and abiotic plant stresses using genetic engineering techniques. My research endeavours across premier research institutes such as GBPUA&T, ICGEB, IARI, IITB, and Columbia University have exposed me to working with various groups of farming and non-farming communities across regions in India. I have been a part of successful field trials consisting of large populations. My job as a project manager exposed me to liaising and coordinating with premier national research institutes and government agencies.
This experience has been invaluable in my taking up the TIGRESS responsibilities at IIT Bombay, Mumbai under FP6i. My TIGRESS initiatives have involved understanding the access and availability of various food crops and how this in turn affects the dietary diversity of the people in the region. My work also involves interacting with groups of individuals from both governmental and non-governmental agencies who are working relentlessly to improve the nutritional status of the section of tribal peoples in Maharashtra.
The collected data is being documented. We have organized workshops and presented posters based on this work at a conference in IITB. One of our interactions with the village community has been documented in the TIGRESS blog: https://tigr2ess.globalfood.cam.ac.uk/news/tribal-food-festivals-reviving-forgotten-heritage
