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Dinesh Chauhan
Incubation, Agriculture, Skilling, Livelihoods and Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility ( CSR )
Professional Background
Dr. Dinesh Chauhan is an accomplished Chief Executive Officer and a recognized leader in the think tank sector, with an extensive career dedicated to agribusiness, food technology, and social initiatives. His expertise lies predominantly in negotiation, operations management, business planning, and retail strategy. Dr. Chauhan has honed his leadership skills through diverse roles, currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at the Indian Society of Agribusiness Professionals (ISAP) and as a director at Indigram Group.
In these roles, Dr. Chauhan takes a proactive approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) by developing strategic partnerships with both domestic and international corporations and foundations. His work directly benefits several non-profit entities under the Indigram umbrella, including ISAP, Indigram Labs Foundation, and the Indian Society of Healthcare Professionals (ISHP). His strategic focus on sustainable practices and innovative solutions has led to numerous accolades and recognition for ISAP and its initiatives.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Chauhan's educational background is solidly founded in agribusiness and food technology. He earned his MBA in Agribusiness Management and Marketing—specifically within the food industry—from the College of Agribusiness Management. His academic journey continued with an MSc in Food Technology, where he specialized in post-harvest technology, meat, dairy, biochemistry, and food engineering at the College of Postgraduate Studies at G B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology. He also holds a BSc in Agriculture Sciences and Animal Husbandry from the College of Agriculture at Pantnagar University.
Dr. Chauhan’s commitment to advancing agribusiness practices has led to numerous recognitions for ISAP and its affiliates. Some notable awards include:
- ISGF Innovation Awards 2020 for Smart Incubator of the Year 2019 awarded to Indigram Labs Foundation.
- Mahatma Award for Social Good in 2019, recognizing ISAP's outstanding contributions.
- SABERA Social and Business Enterprise Responsible Award 2018 for ISAP's focus on sustainable business practices.
- UN GCNI Innovative Practices Award 2018 for commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Rashtriya Swayamsiddh Samman 2016 for innovative ICT applications in agriculture.
- Agriculture Leadership Award 2015 for excellence in agriculture extension services.
- Manthan Award 2014 for ISAP's community radio station, Kisan Vani, under the category of Community Broadcasting.
- Acknowledgment by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India, with first prize in 2013 for Kisan Vani.
- Sustainable Yield Pledge Award by Missouri House of Representatives in 2011, under the category 'Produce More'.
- National Award on E-governance 2007-08 by the Government of India for outstanding ICT interventions.
- Consultant status recognition with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 2006.
- Manthan-AIF Award 2006 for establishing an extensive Agri-knowledge hub online.
- Finalist in the Stockholm Challenge Awards 2004 for innovative initiatives.
- The prestigious award of “most innovative social enterprise” by Digital Partners, USA in 2002.
Professional Engagements
Dr. Chauhan's professional journey includes distinguished roles in various organizations and councils. He has previously served as a mentor and jury for Hack Africa 2020, contributing his expertise to foster innovation in agribusiness within the African continent. He was also appointed as a member of the Board of Advisors at the African Agribusiness Alliance, where he shared his insights into best practices and sustainable agribusiness models.
In addition to these advisory roles, Dr. Chauhan has been a member of the Global AgTech Council and has held positions on various advisory boards, including AgTech Insight and the Ghana India Trade Advisory Chamber. His leadership experience extends to being the Director & CEO of the International Agriculture Consulting Group (IACG), emphasizing his role in guiding global agriculture strategies.
Before taking on these positions, Dr. Chauhan held significant roles, such as the Head of Collateral Management for North India at Origo Commodities India Pvt Ltd, where he was integral to developing business strategies that impact the agricultural sector. His work in the agriculture economics domain also includes responsibilities with the Ministry of Agriculture in the Government of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia, showcasing his global commitment to agricultural development.
Dr. Chauhan's early career was marked by roles ranging from Quality Assurance Chemist at Cargill, to Food Technologist at Nirula's Corner House Private Limited, and a Business Development Incharge at Godrej Agrovet Limited.
Conclusion
Dr. Dinesh Chauhan utilizes his vast knowledge and experience to create impactful agribusiness initiatives that align with sustainable practices. His robust academic background combined with practical industry experience defines his successful career trajectory. As a leader devoted to advancing agribusiness practices through innovative solutions, he continually shapes the agriculture landscape aiming for a better and more sustainable future.
