Seeds, people
and the systems between them.

From seed science to
digital decision tools.

I trained in Seed Science and Technology at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi. My earlier commercial work at Incotec and Nusun Genetic Research brought me into seed enhancement, laboratory development and quality assurance.

At Bioversity International in New Delhi, from 2014 to 2018, I worked on agroecology and seed systems: participatory varietal selection, crop diversification, community seed banks and farmer-led adaptation. Citizen science and farmers’ rights were part of that work.

The Myanmar chapter.

In 2018, I moved to Pathein, Myanmar, as Senior Seed Sector Advisor with Deutsche Welthungerhilfe. I managed the Rice Seed Sector Development project in the Ayeyarwady Delta, working on modern seed laboratories, quality systems, digital logistics and seed demand–supply intelligence. Training government, NGO and seed-sector colleagues, and developing a strategic roadmap for the rice seed sector, were central to that role.

Since joining WUR in 2019, I have worked on agrifood information systems and data stewardship. This includes locally hosted AI advisory prototypes, seed demand forecasting, seed tracking and the governance of research data. I also co-lead resilient seed systems work within ISSD Africa. Myanmar remains part of my work through advisory support to STREAM’s Mandalay seed system resilience assessment.

Across Africa and Asia, I work with ministries, NGOs, CGIAR partners and practitioners. I have trained more than 300 practitioners in over 10 countries. This includes support for community seed banks in Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan and Myanmar, and helping enable a transfer of CIAT genebank material to Somaliland. The aim is practical: information and seed systems that people can use in their own contexts.

Alongside research, I write books and essays about evidence, history, food, culture and life with AI.