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About Us
At Syngenta Foundation India (SFI), we are dedicated to empowering India’s smallholder farmers, enabling them to thrive and contribute significantly to the nation’s agricultural progress. Established in 2005 as a not-for-profit organization, SFI has consistently worked to address the challenges faced by small and marginal farmers, focusing on access to better resources, knowledge, and market linkages. We aimed to bridge the gap between advanced agricultural research and practical implementation at the grassroots level.
Our Mission
Fueling the spirit of enterprise in agriculture through knowledge, innovation, and youth participation.
Our Vision
We create tangible transformation for smallholder farmers and rural households in India
We are committed to scaling these impacts even further. We continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in agricultural development, focusing on projects that enhance climate resilience, promote women’s empowerment, and leverage digital technologies.
Our History
Since 2005, Syngenta Foundation India (SFI) has been driving agricultural transformation, empowering smallholder farmers through sustainable and innovative solutions.
Our Core Values
Integrity
Agility
Empathy
Diversity & Inclusion
Innovation & Failure Acceptance
Empowerment & Ownership
Leadership Team
Vikram Borade
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
With 28 years of experience & strong background in banking, financial services, and development. Having held senior roles at IDBI Bank other Pvt Banks, he brings expertise in business leadership, strategy, finance, and agriculture-focused development initiatives.
Avijit Nayak
Head-Agronomy and Innovations
With 27 years in the Agri Industry, he leads as Head of Agronomy, specializing in Crop Management and Seed Production. His expertise includes training, hybrid seed promotion, and fostering Agri-Entrepreneur opportunities.
Ravindra Katre
Head- Training and Knowledge Management
With 32 years of expertise in the implementation and development of CSR Projects, he currently heads the Training and Knowledge Management at Syngenta Foundation India. Specializing in rural and agri development.
Keshav Borkar
Program Head - IRise
With 32+ years of experience in the agriculture sector & rural development, he has led agri-entrepreneurship programs, empowering rural youth and farmers through capacity building and sustainable agricultural practices. Currently, he heads the IRise program to empower rural youth with a training and internship program.
Anitha Govindaraj
Head - Gender & FPO Initiatives
With a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics and 20+ years in Evaluation, Research, and Project Management. She now leads the Women AE program in Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, focusing on the development of women in the agricultural sector.
Chaitanya Mali
Head- Financial Inclusion
An MBA in Finance with 25 years of experience in Banking and Finance, with a focus on Commodities, Agriculture loans, Financial Inclusion, and Rural Banking. He is Head – Financial Inclusion and is heading the Bharat Banker program, which is a BFSI training program for rural youth.
Dr. Gajanan Rajurkar
Lead- CSA Initiative
Ph.D. in Soil & Water Conservation Engineering from ICAR-IARI, with 11+ years of professional experience across CSA irrigation management, DRE/solar energy, rural livelihoods, AgTech validation, AIoT in Agriculture, programme management and multi-stakeholder partnerships..
Dr. Sumit Pal
Lead - Research & Strategic Partnership
Doctorate in NRM & Rural Development from IIT-Delhi & ICAR-IARI with 13+ years of experience in natural resource management, Regenerative Agriculture, Soil &Water Conservation, Ag-Technology implementation & AI in agriculture
CA Pravina Oswal
CFO Advisor
FCA with 22+ years of experience in finance, accounting, taxation, audit, and financial advisory, with expertise in financial planning, compliance, governance, and development sector finance.
Vrushali Jamode
Head-Human Resource
A seasoned HR professional with 20 years of experience in managing the end-to-end employee lifecycle and leading change management initiatives. Skilled in handling complex situations, driving organizational transformation, and creating pathways that help teams embrace new ways of working.
Partners & Collaborators
