Experts

Anisha Rachel Oommen, a Bangalore-based entrepreneur and food writer, is the co-founder of Goya, a media company specializing in food, storytelling, and unique experiences. With a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Psychology, and Sociology from Christ University, Bangalore, she blends her digital media and journalism background into Goyas diverse offerings. As the co-founder of The Goya Journal, she orchestrates business partnerships, leading the publications focus on India & South Asia. Anishas expertise encompasses media production, events, communication, and storytelling, extending to curating and editing content, including pieces on millets.

Dr. Bala Subramanian is a Principal Scientist and Head at the Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Regional Centre Coimbatore. With a BE, ME, and PhD in Agricultural Process Engineering, he has over 28 years of expertise in research, academia, and industry. His extensive work spans food processing machinery, cryogenic engineering, millet processing, and fisheries engineering. Recognized with awards like the Jawaharlal Nehru Award, he has published in 120+ journals and contributes to academia and public discourse through research and seminars.

Dr. Deep Narayan Mukherjee, an Assistant Professor at Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University IRTDM Faculty Centre in Ranchi, Jharkhand, is a Ph.D. holder in Agricultural Economics. His research has been dedicated to formulating a roadmap for doubling millet farmers income by 2021–22. Additionally, he has focused on strategies for doubling farmers income in nutri-cereals by 2022, emphasizing the impact of reducing yield gaps and cultivating fallow and wasteland. Dr. Mukherjees work contributes significantly to the agricultural and economic development landscape.

Dr. Deepika Goswami, a Senior Scientist at ICAR-Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering & Technology in Ludhiana, holds a Ph.D. in Food Technology from Punjab Agricultural University. Specializing in value addition of coarse cereals and millets, she focuses on innovative technologies, particularly in baking millet-based gluten-free bakery products. With an educational background in Food Technology, her expertise lies in millet processing and developing functional food products. Dr. Goswami is dedicated to research and photography, contributing significantly to the field.

Dinesh Balam boasts a remarkable 25-year journey steering WASSAN - Watershed Support Services and Activities Network. WASSAN, under his leadership, collaborates with communities, civil society, research, and government entities in rainfed areas, fostering prosperity and ecological security. With a dedicated focus on smallholder farmers, farmworkers, women, and tribal communities, Dinesh is presently at the forefront of a grassroots movement in Odisha, catalyzing a behavioral shift towards millet consumption. His expertise lies in unifying multiple NGOs, offering technocratic support for sustainable agricultural practices.

Dr. Dipika Agrahar Murugkar, Principal Investigator at the Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, brings a Ph.D. in Food Science and Nutrition. With two patents and eight commercialized process technologies, she emphasizes nutritional improvements, particularly for girls. Her expertise extends to entrepreneurship training, collaboration with government departments, and establishing NGO partnerships. A communicative scientist with 25 years of research experience, she excels in millet product development, entrepreneurship, and capacity building, contributing significantly to the advancement of food science and nutrition.

Engaged in genetic augmentation of foxtail millets grain yield, I focus on identifying trait-specific genotypes. My work extends to sorghum, enriching grain micronutrients through breeding and molecular approaches. I contribute significantly to sorghum parental line development and hybrid breeding. Additionally, as a Principal Investigator, I conduct DUS testing in sorghum for Plant Variety Protection. My recent contributions include identifying promising genotypes in foxtail millet, leading to four high-yielding selections under multi-location testing and evaluation.

Dr. Kannababu Netyam, the Principal Investigator at the Indian Institute of Millets Research in Hyderabad, Telangana, holds a Ph.D. from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. With an academic background in M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Agriculture, his current focus is on seed science and technology, aiming to enhance seed yield and quality in millets. Dr. Netyams recent contributions include in-depth studies on seed setting, maturation, and longevity in various small millets, identifying superior varieties with high seed setting potential and vigor.

With a Bachelors degree in Agriculture and a Masters degree in Plant Pathology, Dr. Khadar is an accomplished agricultural scientist. Formerly with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and currently associated with the Deccan Development Society (DDS), he is renowned as the millet man of India. Dr. Khadar has dedicated nearly 20 years to reviving Siridhanya, or positive millets, introducing innovative methods like Kadu Krishi (Jungle Farming) to cultivate millets naturally. He actively contributes to millet advocacy through festivals, workshops, and seminars, showcasing his expertise as a distinguished scientist.

Dr. Kirit Patel, an Associate Professor of International Development Studies at Menno Simons College affiliated with the University of Winnipeg, holds a Ph.D. from the University of Guelph (2008). Based in Winnipeg, Canada, he focuses on the sociocultural and ecological impacts of agrarian and climate change on small-scale agriculture and indigenous communities in the Global South. His research encompasses agricultural biodiversity loss, changes in food consumption, and participatory technology development for resilient indigenous crops, particularly small millets.

Dr. Mamoni Das, a Professor and Nutritionist at Assam Agricultural University, brings over 30 years of expertise in academia, research, outreach programs, and consultancy. Currently serving as the Principal Scientist and Unit Coordinator for AICRP in Home Science, she recently assumed the role of Dean Faculty of Community Science at Assam Agricultural University. Dr. Das specializes in Functional Foods with a focus on product formulation and validation from millets. Her passion lies in research and writing, contributing significantly to the field of food science and nutrition.

Dr. Manoj Kumar Tripathi, Principal Scientist in Biochemistry at ICAR-CIAE, Bhopal, holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India. Leading diverse projects and serving as a resource person for various initiatives, he specializes in value chains for millet-based functional foods and nutraceuticals. Dr. Tripathi contributes significantly to research, technology development, and the writing and editing of articles, publications, and books on millet technology, innovation, food process engineering, and value addition.

Naveen Krish, with a background in Hotel Management and roles as Marketing Head and Mixologist, currently teaches at G.D. Goenka, Gurgaon. Hailing from South India, Naveen passionately champions millets, leading a menu revolution in the canteen. Through a festival, he gauges interest, incorporating successful millet dishes into the year-long menu. Advocating farm-to-fork practices, Naveen aims to expand cultivation with the agriculture department if the response is positive. This chefs journey weaves marketing, mixology, and education into a flavorful narrative of culinary innovation.

Dr. Neelambika Meti, a plant biologist with postgraduation and a Ph.D. in plant tissue culture, serves as a Professor in Plant Biology. She is a pioneering manufacturer of millet-based RTE & RTC pre-mixes, conducting hands-on demonstrations and training programs. Driven by a commitment to nutrition, she conducts 2-3 workshops annually, drawing from millet research to venture into ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook innovations. Dr. Meti excels in awareness and training programs, establishing a consumer brand, and contributing expertise in product making, content writing, and hands-on training.

Dr. Punam Jain, a Naturopathy MD Doctor, Herbalist, and Nutrition expert at Taru Naturals Pvt Ltd in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is a prominent figure in the realm of millet health. With a focus on natural farming, she actively engages in growing and cooking with millets. A seasoned health chef, she specializes in nutrition formulations and recipes, often sharing farmer stories related to millets. Dr. Jains multifaceted contributions include writing, conducting millet workshops, and raising awareness through programs, showcasing her expertise in nutrition, health chef practices, ayurveda, and herbs with millets.

Dr. Rajendra Chapke, a Principal Scientist at the Indian Institute of Millets Research in Hyderabad, Telangana, holds a B.Sc. in Agricultural Science, M.Sc., and Ph.D. from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Specializing in Agricultural Extension, Agril. Statistics, and Horticulture, he has been instrumental since 2014 in developing farmer-led extension strategies to improve livelihoods in hilly and tribal areas through millets-based integrated farming. His initiatives focus on livelihood improvement for dryland and rainfed farmers, farm-gate processing facilities, technology outreach, and market integration through innovative mobile apps.

Ruchi Jain, associated with Taru Naturals Pvt Ltd in Mumbai, Maharashtra, holds an MSc in Environment Change & Management from Oxford University. A dynamic individual, she is a skilled agri-entrepreneur, offering expertise in the training of farmers and serving as a livelihood supply chain and end-to-end value chain expert for millets. Engaged in various aspects of millet cultivation and utilization, including research, outreach, recipes curation, and product innovation, Ruchi is committed to natural farming programs and workshops, showcasing a holistic approach encompassing research, advocacy, and entrepreneurship.

Rujuta, a renowned sports science and nutrition expert, holds accolades like the Nutrition Award from the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology. Her influence extends globally, emphasizing a common-sense approach to eating, blending traditional wisdom and modern nutritional science. With academic qualifications from institutions like the University of Potsdam and the Australian Institute of Sports, she has worked with diverse clients, including celebrities like Kareena Kapoor and Varun Dhawan. Rujuta is a best-selling author, speaker, and recipient of prestigious awards, contributing significantly to the discourse on food and exercise.

Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal, a Mumbai-based Culinary Chronicler & Consultant, holds a Certified Animator education. As the owner of A Perfect Bite Consulting & APB Cook Studio, she wears various hats, excelling as a teacher, Corporate Food Consultant, and Curator of Food experiences. With a profound global culinary knowledge and specialization in Indian Food Studies, particularly Gujarat and Uttarakhand cuisines, she contributes significantly to the industry. Apart from editing and curating the Godrej Food Trend Report, Rushina actively engages in millet-related initiatives, including research, product development, and contributing to the Varushka Foundation. Passionate about promoting mindful millet consumption, she envisions consolidating consumption patterns based on regions and tradit...

Sai Krishna Popuri, the founder of Health Sutra based in Hyderabad, is a trailblazer in promoting millet consumption through innovative products like flakes, biscuits, rawas, beverage mixes, muesli, and diet namkeen. His gluten-free offerings, free from preservatives, are gaining popularity in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, with expansion plans into Bangalore, Mangalore, and Mumbai. Operating in both offline retail and online platforms like Amazon and Bigbasket, Health Sutra aims to raise awareness and enhance millet adoption, with aspirations for a new plant and increased exports. Sai Krishna actively engages in public speaking across diverse audiences, from farmers to students, entrepreneurs, and researchers.

Sangeeta Khanna, a Nutrition Consultant with a Masters degree in botany and a PhD in gut health, collaborates with hotels to craft wellness-focused recipes. Renowned for her culinary expertise, she develops recipes and writes columns and articles for magazines, championing ecologically resilient food systems. Through workshops, blogs, and a forthcoming millet-centric recipe book, Sangeeta actively contributes to awareness, nutrition, and the development of innovative recipes and products. Her multifaceted approach underscores a passion for promoting wholesome and sustainable culinary practices.

Shalini Rajini, a Gold Medalist with a Masters in Journalism from AMU, and a B.Sc. (hons.) in Chemistry, is based in Gurgaon, Haryana. As a Millet Expert, she actively participated in the Global Millets Conference in March 2023. Shalinis passion extends to coaching over 800 participants worldwide with healing millet recipes, aiming to collaborate with eateries for innovative Millet Menus. Through webinars, she strives to normalize millet meals, making a mark with her unique approach to narrating recipes like stories, making them memorable for her students.

Ms. Sharmila Oswal, the Founder of India Millet Mission, GudMom, and 1Organic, is a notable environmentalist, agricultural activist, and Director at Pahle India Foundation. With an LLM in Environment, Water & Energy from the University of Nottingham and credentials from the National University of Singapore and Harvard, she has earned numerous accolades, including the Millet Queen of Maharashtra and UN recognition. Her focus on smart agriculture, millet awareness, and creating India as a Global Millet Hub showcases her dedication to holistic nutrition and sustainable farming. Sharmila Oswal is actively involved in public speaking and governance and policy research & development in smart agriculture and millets.

Sheela Krishnaswamy, a Bangalore, Karnataka-based Postgraduate in Nutrition and Dietetics since 1983, holds over 40 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian. She boasts diverse expertise in clinical, corporate, and communication spaces, having trained both in India and overseas. With active involvement in national and international dietetic associations, she has held leadership positions. Her media presence spans over 27 years, and she has excelled as a nutrition entrepreneur, editor, public speaker, and blogger. Currently serving as an independent Nutrition & Wellness Consultant, Advisor, Anchor, Speaker, and Writer in Goa, she made history as the first Nutrition Consultant for Buddhist Monasteries in India. She participated in the Millets & Organics fair in 2018, organized by the...

A cookbook co-author and delegate at millet-based conferences, Ive actively contributed to culinary programs, YouTube shows, and Instagram Live sessions. My passion for cooking extends beyond traditional platforms, showcasing the versatility of millets in diverse culinary contexts. With a commitment to promoting nutritional awareness and diverse recipes, I continue to engage in the culinary world through collaborative cookbook projects and dynamic digital platforms.

Shruti Taneja, the founder of Nivaala, holds an MSc in Marketing from HEC Paris and a BSc (Joint Hons) in Mathematics & Economics from the University of Nottingham, UK. Based in New Delhi, Delhi, she is on a mission to inspire people to preserve family recipes as cherished heirlooms, akin to precious saris and jewelry. While not extensively involved with millets, her expertise in design, cookbooks, and content creation is notable. Featured in prominent publications like Times of India, Indian Express, and Conde Nast, she brings a unique perspective to the culinary world.

Dr. Sooganna Dinni, a Scientist in Seed Science and Technology at the Indian Institute of Millets Research in Hyderabad, Telangana, holds a Ph.D. from ICAR-Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi, along with M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Agriculture. As the Principal Investigator, his current focus is on studying cold tolerance in sorghum and foxtail millet. Dr. Dinni actively contributes as a Nodal Officer for various seed-related projects and has made significant contributions to quality seed production planning and execution in the Indian sorghum and millets seed supply chain. His collaborative efforts include coordinating multi-location breeding trials, enhancing breeder seed production in millets, and establishing millets seed hubs for quality seed production across various centers.

Dr. Swarna Ronanki, a Scientist in Agronomy at the Indian Institute of Millets Research in Hyderabad, Telangana, holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy. With a background encompassing B.Sc. and M.Sc., she specializes in the identification of candidate genes regulating drought tolerance in pearl millet. Her research and publications focus on integrated nutrient management, variations in drought tolerance components, and the adaptation of millets to drought and heat stress. Dr. Ronanki has contributed to the development of a manual on good agricultural practices in millets.

Tapas Chandra Roy, a consultant and writer from Koraput, Odisha, holds a B.Sc in Agriculture and an MBA in Agri-Business Management. With a decade of dedicated experience in the millet sector, he is a Certified Farm Advisor on Millets. Actively involved in implementing the Odisha Millets Mission at the grassroots level, Tapas specializes in millet farming, business ideas, and recipes. His expertise extends to writing and research, contributing significantly to the advancement of the millet industry.

V. Gangi Reddy, a graduate and dedicated leader of RRDS (Rural Reconstruction and Development Society), has contributed 20 years to the development sector. Operating in Nellore and Tirupati districts of Andhra Pradesh, he focuses on small and marginal farmers, championing green gram, red gram, and millets. Guided by the mantra Our village, our farming, Gangi Reddy spearheads community-involved initiatives. With RRDS, he expertly promotes sustainable practices, specializing in millet production, processing, and marketing. His network of like-minded NGOs and FPOs underscores his proficiency in capacity-building and ground-level implementation.

At the Indian Institute of Millets Research in Ernakulam, Kerala, I hold responsibilities in evaluating the forage and stover quality of sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet. With a background comprising BVSc, MVSc, and PhD qualifications, my work also involves overseeing the Instrumentation Facility. I am committed to advancing research and understanding the nutritional aspects of millets, contributing to the development of forage and stover quality assessment methodologies for these vital crops.

Dr. Vilas A Tonapi, associated with the Indian Institute of Millets Research in Hyderabad, Telangana, holds an M.Sc in Agriculture, a Ph.D. in Seed Technology, and a Post Doc from UQ. His extensive experience encompasses research, administration, and research management as the Director of IIMR. With expertise in seed technology, crop ecology, and seed systems, he focuses on strategic issues for the seed industry. Dr. Tonapi is actively involved in research and publications on millets, emphasizing seed quality assurance and climate resilience. Additionally, he plays a pivotal role in developing community seed systems, improving the quality of farmer-saved seeds, and teaching postgraduate students in seed technology. His assignments span seed research, IPR, plant variety protection, licen...

Viraj Shah, a Chartered Accountant with a background in real estate, is the Founder of Prana Shakti Foundation. Collaborating with Dr. Khadar Vali, the Millet Man of India, he spearheads initiatives such as awareness campaigns, workshops, and festivals, focusing on millets integration into daily life and agriculture. With expertise in strategic guidance for farmers and startups, Viraj is a driving force in promoting millets healing properties. His commitment extends to facilitating collaborations and providing access to a network of chefs specializing in millet preparations.