Dr. Rajendra Singh Gautam leads ILRT as Dean (Chief Executive), steering strategic planning, research, knowledge dissemination, livelihood innovations, and policy advocacy to promote sustainable livelihoods at scale. He is also Vice Chairman of the Value Chain Capacity Building Network (VCB-N), an IFAD-promoted Network for pro-poor value chain and market system development in Asia Pacific region, and a Member of the Expert Committee (SEED Division), Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, advancing the use of science and technology for livelihoods. With a Ph.D. in Participatory Water Resources Development and Management and over two decades of experience, Dr. Gautam specializes in farm and non-farm livelihoods, agri-value chains, skill development, natural resource management, climate-resilient livelihoods, and inclusive development. A widely published scholar, he has authored case studies, research papers and books showcasing innovative livelihood models across India.

Navin T holds M.Phil. (Political Science) from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). He comes with over 18 years of research experience related to a variety of development issues. Starting his career in Don Bosco Development Society (DBDS) as a Program officer, he was involved in research, planning, conceptualizing and designing projects related to youth employment. He joined BASIX Social Enterprise Group (SEG) in 2006

Mr. Shashank Singh is an Agricultural Engineer with his Bachelors from Allahabad Agricultural Institute – Deemed University (2002); Masters in Agricultural Engineering (Soil and Water Engineering) from Junagadh Agricultural University (2005) and Masters in Agricultural and Biological Engineering (Natural Resources Management) from Purdue University, USA (2009). Shashank has over a decade of experience in Academics and Research.

Yogendra holds a Master’s in Rural Development from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and brings over eight years of experience across rural and urban contexts. His expertise spans waste and biomass management, circular economy, faecal sludge management, and civic leadership development. He has led state-level initiatives in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, establishing innovative circular economy models in collaboration with government bodies and multilateral agencies. Yogendra has also coordinated research assignments and feasibility studies across diverse geographies in India, contributing to sustainable development through both practice and policy advocacy.

Aakriti Tamrakar is a Research Associate at the Institute of Livelihood Research and Training (ILRT), Bhopal) with three years of research and academic teaching experience at a Central University. She holds a Master’s in Forestry, where she received the First Female Chancellor Gold Medal, and a Master’s in Social Work. Currently a Ph.D. Scholar in Forestry, her research focuses on NTFPs and tribal women’s livelihood systems in Chhattisgarh. She has received several awards for social work and environmental awareness. At ILRT, she contributes to livelihood research, capacity building, gender-inclusive development, and community-based natural resource management.

Vinay Verma is a seasoned professional in the fields of entrepreneurship education, skill development, and livelihood promotion, with over two decades of experience in strengthening entrepreneurship ecosystms in India. He holds an M.A., M.S.W., Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Business Management (DEBM), and is UGC-NET qualified. Over the years, he has worked with leading entrepreneurship institutions such as EDII and NIESBUD, Government of India, as a faculty member, and has also headed the EDCell at MPSSDM, GoMP. His expertise spans policy formulation, project execution, institutional capacity building, and CSR program management, with a strong focus on rural entrepreneurship, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and inclusive livelihood ecosystems. He has guided more than 2,500 youth in establishing their own enterprises, trained over 1,000 professors from polytechnic, engineering, and science colleges, JSS institutions, defence establishments, and government ITIs in entrepreneurship education, and has mentored more than 10,000 students both online and offline, in exploring entrepreneurship as a career option across India.. In addition, he has authored several books and training manuals in the fields of entrepreneurship education, anthropology, and history. Throughout his extensive professional journey, Vinay has played a pivotal role in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, empowering women and rural communities, and strengthening FPOs and value chain systems across India.

Mr. Rajkumar Prajapati holds a post-graduate in Commerce (M.Com.) In Applied Economics and Business Management, B. Com in Accounting and Business Management with specialization - Advertising Sales & Sales Management and PGDCA. He has over 16 years of experience in development and corporate sectors with a specialization in accounts and financial management, project monitoring, business plan development, and a part of the training and research team. He started his career in Deepak Sales Agencies, Bhopal as an Account Assistant, and served for one and a half years. He joined the Institute of Livelihood Research and Training (Formerly, The Livelihood School) BASIX in the Bhopal regional office in June 2009 as a Transaction Assistant and after successive promotions, was promoted as Executive Accounts & Programs in 2013. He has been managing books of accounts, MIS & data updating, audit, taxation. He supports the day to day project management activities, project monitoring, documentation of project work through the field and monthly reports, and budgetary planning, program management & Administration work. He extends training and developing the curriculums and modules for various community-based organizations such as Self-Help Groups (SHGs) member, NGOs staff, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the field of bookkeeping, business planning, development of business plans, and others. He has involved in research studies as a team member and doing Data collection, Data entry, and analysis work. He is currently associated with Institute of Livelihood Research and Training, Bhopal office as Assistant Manager (Accounts).

Sayan Banerjee is a development professional with experience at the Institute of Livelihood Research and Training (ILRT), Bhopal and the Centre for microFinance (CmF), Jaipur, focusing on livelihoods, MIS, monitoring & evaluation, and sustainable agriculture. He has contributed to public health and ethnobotanical research with MANT Kolkata and Bhabnar Khelaghar, Santiniketan. A Master’s in Rural Studies and 2nd Rank Holder at Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, he combines research and field practice to strengthen rural livelihoods and promote climate-resilient agriculture.

Pratap Singh is Deputy District Manager at ILRT with five plus years of experience in agriculture market development and Agri-input solutions. He holds a B.Sc. in Agriculture and an MBA, combining technical expertise with business acumen. His expertise covers FPC business development, governance, farmer training, Agri-input sales, crop advisory, and farm management consultancy. At ILRT, he has strengthened Farmer Producer Companies by supporting dairy, vegetable, and input enterprises, and has successfully established market linkages with leading platforms such as Zepto for vegetable collection and Reliance Smart stores as vendor. Focused on strengthening farmer institutions, Pratap is dedicated to creating sustainable growth models and enhancing rural livelihoods through innovation and collaboration.

Himanshu has a strong track record of leading initiatives in livelihood development, women empowerment, stakeholder engagement, and project management in rural and underserved areas. My work is deeply rooted in fostering sustainable and inclusive growth through innovative programs and capacity-building efforts.

Deepanshi Sharma is a Research Associate at the Institute of Livelihood Research and Training (ILRT), contributing to project documentation, research, and capacity building for sustainable livelihoods. With a strong academic background in Food & Nutrition, she brings expertise in research, data analysis, training, and digital communication. She has supported evaluation studies, IEC development, and stakeholder engagement across diverse development projects. At ILRT, she works on value chain development, livelihood documentation, branding, and knowledge dissemination, translating field insights into evidence-based reports and communication products that strengthen community enterprises and advance inclusive, community-driven development.

Sanjay Sharma is a development professional with over 15 years of experience in the social sector, specialising in WASH, climate change, and sustainable livelihoods. At ILRT, he leads initiatives on landscape restoration and value chain development of bamboo, mahua, and jackfruit, along with supporting climate-resilient healthcare facilities and ODF+ model villages. He has previously worked with UNOPS, WaterAid, Jal Sava Charitable Foundation, and Knowledge Links Pvt. Ltd., implementing projects on sanitation, faecal sludge management, and waste management. An MSW graduate, Sanjay has also trained civil service officers at LBSNAA, Mussoorie, and brings expertise in Agri-value chains and inclusive development.

Swamisharan Kushwaha is a development professional with more than 10 years of experience in project execution, monitoring, and social development initiatives. He has worked with reputed programs such as MGNREGA Watershed, PKVY, Namami Gange, and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, focusing on organic farming, farmer training, cluster formation, and sustainable agriculture practices. Currently associated with the Harit Bharat Fund-supported NTFP value chain project in Sidhi (M.P.), he is actively engaged in promoting market linkages and livelihood enhancement for rural communities. With qualifications in MSW, Sociology, and Organic Farming, he brings strong skills in coordination, reporting, and capacity building.

Chetan leads the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra as District Manager. He is responsible for providing scale-up support to eight farmer producer companies under Prabhat, a CSR initiative of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL). With over three years of experience working with social enterprises and grassroots organizations, Chetan has developed strong sense of stakeholder management and a keen interest in post-harvest supply chains. Chetan holds a degree in agricultural sciences and has worked with marginal farmers in Bihar as an SBI Youth for India Fellow. He is also a founding member of the Regional Council at Bevisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship.

Mr. T. Srinivasulu serves as Assistant Vice President – Finance & MIS, bringing over 25 years of experience in financial accounting, budgeting, planning, and reporting. He has proven expertise in ensuring compliance with key statutory frameworks, including the Societies Registration Act, Income Tax Act, FCRA, EPF Act, and ESI Act, as well as donor-specific financial and audit requirements. He is highly proficient in reviewing and preparing financial statements, managing donor financial reports, overseeing donor audits, and facilitating project-based financial reviews. His skill set also includes statutory audits, project budgeting, management reporting, and accurate closure of accounts. In addition, he is experienced in asset management, audit coordination, and financial process reviews. His ability to generate insightful MIS reports, maintain compliance across various financial regulations, and engage effectively with donor agencies makes him a valuable asset in strengthening financial governance and ensuring organizational transparency

Rajesh has 09 years of experience in the agriculture and rural development sector, working in various capacities such as District Manager, Project Manager, Agriculturist, and Technical Assistant. Currently, I am working as a District Manager under the project “Strengthening Farm-Based Livelihoods through Scale-up Support to FPOs for Agri Value Chain and Market System Development” in Chhindwara, Nashik, Ratnagiri, and Silvassa districts, supported by Hindustan Unilever Ltd’s Prabhat Initiative. My responsibilities include project planning, MIS management, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and progress monitoring. Previously, as a Project Manager, I was responsible for the execution of farm and non-farm sector activities, developing action plans, maintaining project schedules, and reporting to stakeholders. I have also worked as an Agriculturist, focusing on training centre development and agri-research projects like the 1 Guntha and 5 Guntha models. Additionally, I have experience in scheme implementation and monitoring as a District Business Development & Marketing Manager with the Maharashtra Cooperative Development Corporation. In earlier roles as an Agricultural Marketing Expert and Technical Assistant, I gained hands-on experience in organizing farmer trainings, conducting research on groundnut and rice crops, and facilitating field demonstrations. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated strong skills in coordination, training, community engagement, and project implementation across various agricultural and development programs.

Vikas Raut, District Manager with ILRT, spearhead the project on scaling-up Agri-Value Chain in Nashik, Maharashtra, developing robust governance systems, institutional linkages with markets and financial institutions. Post-graduate in Agriculture from Anand Campus, Gujrat Agri. Univ. in 2001. Felicitated twice with Chairman’s Awards at BASIX and recognition by the Tanzanian Government. Previously served BASICS Ltd., Samunnati, Livelihood BASIX Inc. Tanzania, ICICI Bank Ltd., Bhartiya Samruddhi Finance Ltd. and Gramin Vikas Trust, an NGO of KRIBHCO. Expert in Grassroots execution, large-scale agricultural, livelihood development projects, financial inclusion, establishing BCs network of SHGs of women, financing FPOs, Community Based MFIs for NGOs & SHGs; Agri-Value-Chain projects; Microfinance operations for rural livelihoods and Financing the Farmers.

Priyanka Tomar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and is currently advancing her professional qualifications in Company Secretaryship from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). She brings a strong foundation in corporate governance, legal compliance, and financial systems to her role at the Institute of Livelihood Research and Training (ILRT). In her work at ILRT, Priyanka contributes to strengthening statutory compliance frameworks, capacity building, and governance systems for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and other community-based institutions. She also supports partnerships with government agencies and corporate collaborators to enhance livelihood interventions at scale.With a keen interest in governance, she believes that effective compliance and transparent operations are essential for sustainable institutional growth and improved outcomes for rural communities. She is committed to empowering grassroots organizations to become future-ready, accountable, and self-reliant.