Biography

Jagana Rao is a project manager based in Shillong, India. He holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, in collaboration with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics. With experience as an agriculturist, agri-entrepreneur, and plant biotechnologist, he possesses a comprehensive skill set in commercial multi-crop agronomy, agri-business management, agri-marketing, and logistics.

During his tenure at CIP, Jagana Rao has played a pivotal role in managing the extension of Apical Rooted Cutting (ARC) technology to farmers in Meghalaya State, India. His focus is on making agriculture a profitable venture by fostering sustainability, efficient crop production systems, establishing marketing linkages, and promoting decentralization. He actively identifies responsible farmer producer organizations (FPOs/FPCs) and progressive farmers, promoting improved post-harvest management practices, ensuring high-quality and safe products, and innovating in crop-specific storage technologies and distribution systems.