For me, Problems may be complex, but solutions aren’t
About Research & Advisory
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Issues studied:
Agribusiness, Food Consumption, Rural Development, Participatory Natural Resource Management, Corporate Social Responsibility
Trusted by Leading Organisations and Associations
Solutions tailored for impact
Education isn't just about acquiring knowledge; it's the key that opens doors to new worlds, empowers individuals, and shapes a brighter future.
Reducing Distress Migration through MGNREGA
(Brief Summary)
With integrated natural resource management (INRM) implemented in a collaborative state-civil society intervention under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), out-migration in Odisha's distress-prone locations dropped by 44%, household incomes surged by 56.7%, and cropping intensity increased to 75.5%. These are some of the significant outcomes of the innovative use of MGNREGA. Focused on natural resource management and asset creation for marginalised communities, this initiative added 200 days of MGNREGA work in vulnerable districts, leading to enhanced employment (83% work participation in project areas), improved access to water (62%), and a significant increase in asset creation (58%). This collaborative effort between government bodies and civil society organisations is a model for tackling distress migration, boosting rural incomes, and building resilience against climate change. These successes underline the need for greater financial support to scale such impactful interventions across India.
Sponsored by: Department of Forests, Environment and Climate Change, Govt. of Odisha.
Bridging the Timber Divide: A Blueprint for Sustainable Demand-Supply Management
(Brief Summary)
A recent study has found a critical challenge in Odisha’s timber sector, with demand found to be nearly 60 times higher than the legal supply from state-owned forests. Through a rigorous methodology involving household and industry surveys, secondary data analysis, and expert interviews, the study highlights a significant demand-supply gap that poses both economic and environmental risks. To address this, the research calls for immediate policy action from government and industry leaders, recommending sustainable forest management, afforestation programs, and the expansion of agroforestry. It also emphasises the need for private sector involvement, particularly in scaling up timber production and supply chains. These findings provide a strategic blueprint for the government and industry to collaboratively enhance timber supply, ensure resource sustainability, and strengthen Odisha’s self-reliance in the timber sector.
Coauthored with Prof. Sanjeev Kapoor
Cultivating Health: Strategic Promotion and Dissemination of Biofortified Cereal Seeds
(Brief Summary)
This report highlights a crucial and innovative approach to tackling malnutrition in India by addressing hidden hunger through biofortification in India. In a country ranking among the laggards in the Global Hunger Index, biofortified crops like rice and wheat, enriched with vital micronutrients (zinc, iron, vitamin A), offer a sustainable, cost-effective solution. Focusing on Bihar and Odisha, two of India's most undernourished states, the study contrasts the seed distribution systems—Bihar's informal channels versus Odisha's structured government systems—while providing a comprehensive strategy for disseminating biofortified seeds. Through a SWOT analysis of distribution methods, including government networks, farmer-led exchanges, and private players, the report identifies effective ways to scale adoption. With its timely recommendations for policy reform, stakeholder collaboration, and awareness efforts, this study is vital for improving public health and serves as a model for addressing malnutrition through biofortification across India.
Sponsored by: The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and HarvestPlus.
Cultivating Change: Empowering Women Farmers through Horticulture
(Brief Summary)
Horticulture has emerged as a vital means of enhancing income and employment for farmers in India, especially in Bihar, where 89% of the population lives in rural areas and 34% faces poverty. Lately, the state has seen an increase in the production and value of fruits and vegetables, contributing to 8.6% of India’s total horticultural output. In response to this potential, Oxfam Deutschland and Oxfam India launched the "Economic Empowerment of Women Farmers through Vegetable Supply Chain" project in collaboration with SEWA BHARAT, aiming to empower women farmers in 35 villages by improving vegetable production and its marketing. The Karn Bhoomi Krishak Producer Company Limited was established to support 700 women farmers in increasing their income through the collective marketing of agricultural products. Market mapping identified five business options focusing on sustainability and growth, including local market sales, wholesale mandis, and collaborations with government-supported institutions. Overall, the project seeks to empower women farmers, enhance their roles in the agricultural supply chain, and contribute to economic development in Bihar while fostering community resilience through collective efforts.
Sponsored by: OXFAM India
Improving Urban Governance in India through Directly Elected Mayors
(Brief Summary)
India's rapid urbanisation, with more than one-third of the population now in urban areas, underscores the pressing need for reform in urban governance, particularly within local bodies where municipal commissioners often overshadow elected mayors. This report, based on the interaction with important stakeholders and an extensive review of secondary literature, advocates for the introduction of directly elected mayors to enhance accountability, leadership, and citizen engagement. Key recommendations include piloting this system in select urban areas, engaging citizens and political parties for broader support, and establishing monitoring mechanisms to evaluate effectiveness. Additionally, provisions for mayoral recall and the ability to appoint professional councillors can foster a balance between strong leadership and inclusive governance. Recommended reforms aim to improve urban governance, address the challenges of urbanisation and enhance the quality of life for urban citizens.
Sponsored by: Urban Development and Housing Department, Government of Bihar.
Forthcoming course
Education isn't just about acquiring knowledge; it's the key that opens doors to new worlds, empowers individuals, and shapes a brighter future.
Teaching
I don’t just teach, I transform minds and lives.
Training
I don’t train, I empower individuals and organizations.
Research
My Research is modest, but the outcomes are impactful.
“Collaborating with Prof. Niraj on our project documenting rural transformations in India was a
privilege. His academic prowess and leadership in partnering with our team were exceptional. Prof.Niraj's dedication ensured each case story was accurate and impactful, resulting in an inspiring book showcasing his rigor and passion. His ability to bridge academic theory with practical application and storytelling expertise gave rural India's voices a platform to be heard and celebrated.”
Manas Satpathy
PRADAN, India
“Collaborating with Prof. Niraj on our project documenting rural transformations in India was a
privilege. His academic prowess and leadership in partnering with our team were exceptional. Prof.Niraj's dedication ensured each case story was accurate and impactful, resulting in an inspiring book showcasing his rigor and passion. His ability to bridge academic theory with practical application and storytelling expertise gave rural India's voices a platform to be heard and celebrated.”
Manas Satpathy
PRADAN, India
“Collaborating with Prof. Niraj on our project documenting rural transformations in India was a
privilege. His academic prowess and leadership in partnering with our team were exceptional. Prof.Niraj's dedication ensured each case story was accurate and impactful, resulting in an inspiring book showcasing his rigor and passion. His ability to bridge academic theory with practical application and storytelling expertise gave rural India's voices a platform to be heard and celebrated.”
Manas Satpathy
PRADAN, India
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