Transforming Education for Rural Development
Education isn't just about acquiring knowledge; it's the key that opens doors to new worlds, empowers individuals, and shapes a brighter future.
About Research & Advisory
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services. Help people become familiar with the business and its offerings, creating a sense of connection and trust. Focus on what makes the business unique and how users can benefit from choosing it.
Issues studied:
Agribusiness, Food Consumption, Rural Development, Participatory Natural Resource Management, Corporate Social Responsibility
Trusted by Leading Organisations and Associations
Recent Work
“Unpacking Consumer Multihoming: The Gender Dynamics in Food Delivery Platforms”
Co-authored with Prof. Neeraj Singh and Prof. Sanjeev Kapoor
This study provides valuable insights into consumer behaviour on food delivery platforms, offering practical implications for businesses. It explores the under-researched phenomenon of "multihoming," where users engage with multiple apps and examines the role of gender in shaping this behaviour. Through a survey of 493 users and rigorous analysis, the research reveals that men tend to use multiple platforms more frequently, while women’s likelihood of multihoming increases with frequent usage. These findings are helpful for food delivery companies facing tough competition, as they offer strategies to improve customer loyalty and reduce the tendency of users to switch between platforms. This genuine research builds upon existing literature and offers new, actionable insights for businesses in the industry.
“Scaling Biofortified Rice & Wheat in PDS: Impact Analysis in Bihar & Odisha”
Coauthored with Anjani Kumar, Smriti Verma, Sunil Saroj
This paper explores the transformative potential of India’s Public Distribution System (PDS) in addressing the growing issue of micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in Bihar and Odisha—two of the country’s most impoverished states. By introducing biofortified crops, which are enriched with essential nutrients like zinc and iron, the study shows that replacing traditional varieties could boost the intake of these vital micronutrients by up to 33%. This strategy offers a timely and impactful solution to improving public health, enhancing nutrition, and combating malnutrition in regions that need it the most.
“Bridging Information Gaps in India’s Agri-Input Market for Farmer Empowerment”
Coauthored with Prof. Sanjeev Kapoor
Farmers face significant challenges due to limited information when purchasing agricultural inputs, such as seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals, and farm machinery. This study highlights the critical factors influencing farmers' purchasing decisions, including germination rates, yield potential, health impacts, soil health, and packaging quality—far outweighing price concerns. For the agri-input industry, addressing these information gaps can enhance trust, reduce uncertainty, and provide a competitive edge in the market. By aligning product offerings with farmers' needs, the industry can drive higher productivity and support sustainable farming practices.
“Gen Y's Soft Drink Habits: Attitudes and Trends in India”
Coauthored with Prof. Subhajyoti Ray
Transgender individuals have long faced discrimination and marginalisation, a fact widely recognised in society. However, with recent legal and governmental efforts aimed at improving their rights, has their situation actually changed? This study explores the lived experiences of transgender people in Odisha, focusing on key areas like social standing, economic security, political participation, and access to healthcare. By analysing personal narratives, the research offers a deeper understanding of their current status and highlights both the progress made and the ongoing challenges they face in society.
This paper critically examines the stagnant state of agricultural higher education in India, which faces an identity crisis among stakeholders, and explores how applying marketing concepts can enhance its competitiveness. Despite the global success of marketing strategies in higher education, they remain largely untapped in Indian agricultural institutions. Through an extensive review of the literature and relevant data, the study identifies marketing orientation as the most suitable approach, given the unique objectives, stakeholder diversity, and public funding structure of these institutions. The paper proposes a strategic, three-tier marketing framework to revitalise agricultural education, offering a clear path to increased relevance and competitiveness in the changing educational market.
“Transforming Agricultural Education in India: Leveraging Marketing for Competitiveness”
“We Were, Are, and Will Remain Discriminated Against”
Transgender individuals have long faced discrimination and marginalisation, a fact widely recognised in society. However, with recent legal and governmental efforts aimed at improving their rights, has their situation actually changed? This study explores the lived experiences of transgender people in Odisha, focusing on key areas like social standing, economic security, political participation, and access to healthcare. By analysing personal narratives, the research offers a deeper understanding of their current status and highlights both the progress made and the ongoing challenges they face in society.