About

As Regional Director for South Asia, I have over 20 years of experience in promoting sustainable plant health systems and market access programmes in the South Asian region.

I have played a key role in developing strategic partnerships, policy formation and leading initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and trade within CABI’s projects and programmes, such as CABI’s Plantwise programme. CABI’s work aims to improve the lives of farmers by improving agricultural practices and increasing access to information for farmers in the region.

My expertise in Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures has been recognized with WTO certificates for knowledge of trade regulations and market access. I have been involved in regional studies, commissioned by organizations such as the FAO, which have documented issues relating to SPS in agriculture trade in Asia and Pacific countries. Furthermore, I have participated in technical international working groups, playing a pivotal role in the development of guidelines with the FAO-IPPC for the implementation of ISPM-15 – an essential standard for phytosanitary measures, and also shared my knowledge and experience with various governmental bodies and advisory boards.

I have a PhD in Mycology and Plant Pathology from Banaras Hindu University.