“Agriculture is not just a sector — it is a responsibility, a science, and a way of life that sustains every living soul.”
As someone who is still new to the agricultural ecosystem, attending the RMAI Agri Conclave 2025 was a deeply enriching and eye-opening experience for me. It was not just an event — it was a learning ground, a reality check, and a reminder of how powerful and essential India’s rural and agricultural landscape truly is.
About RMAI Agri Conclave 2025
The Rural Marketing Association of India (RMAI) is a premier, not-for-profit industry body dedicated to advancing the cause of rural marketing in India and Asia. Since its inception, RMAI has consistently helped marketers, policymakers, corporates, and practitioners learn, unlearn, and relearn the best practices required to understand rural markets.
The RMAI Agri Conclave 2025 brought together an exceptional mix of:
- Industry leaders
- Agri-tech innovators
- Policy experts
- Academicians
- Entrepreneurs
- Practitioners deeply rooted in the rural ecosystem
The conclave created a powerful platform to discuss rural consumer behaviour, agri-input markets, technology, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and policy impact.
Voices That Shaped the Conclave – Speaker Insights
One of the most impactful aspects of the conclave was the diversity of perspectives shared by the speakers. Each brought clarity, depth, and grounded experience to the discussions.
Key Speaker Themes & Insights
| Speaker Domain | Key Insights Shared |
|---|---|
| Agri-Tech Leaders | How data, AI, and digital tools are reshaping farm decisions and agri-input demand |
| Rural Commerce Experts | Evolution of rural distribution, platforms, and last-mile connectivity |
| Policy & Academic Voices | Importance of demand-side thinking and market-aligned agri education |
| Entrepreneurship Leaders | Need for ecosystem-based growth instead of isolated efforts |
| Women & Social Impact Leaders | Women as decision-makers, producers, and influencers in rural markets |
What stood out clearly was one shared message across sessions:
Rural India is no longer a “slow market” — it is a smart, evolving, opportunity-rich ecosystem.
Dr. Sowmini Sunkara – A Voice of Responsibility and Correct Knowledge
One of the most thoughtful and impactful sessions was led by Dr. Sowmini Sunkara, whose words strongly resonated with the young generation present at the conclave.
Her message was not loud — it was clear, grounded, and deeply responsible.
Her Core Message to the Youth
Dr. Sowmini strongly emphasized that:
- Young people must learn agriculture based on facts, science, and ground realities
- Misinformation in agriculture can be dangerous — for farmers, consumers, and the environment
- Scientists, researchers, and practitioners must step forward and speak more, sharing correct, verified knowledge
She made a heartfelt request:
“If we want the next generation to respect agriculture, we must first give them the right information.”
Her address was not about fear — it was about awareness, accountability, and learning with clarity.
From Knowledge to Action: Agrighar, WEAIM & WEMART
Dr. Sowmini beautifully connected her thoughts to actionable ecosystems like:
- Agrighar – supporting farmers, women, and students through skill development, value addition, and Manufacturing-as-a-Service (MAAS)
- WEAIM (WomEnergy Association of Incubators in Manufacturing) – empowering women entrepreneurs through incubation, mentoring, and manufacturing support
- WEMART Global – enabling market access, visibility, and business opportunities for women-led and rural products
She highlighted that:
- Agriculture needs ecosystems, not isolated efforts
- Farmers, women entrepreneurs, students, scientists, and markets must move together
- True impact happens when knowledge meets opportunity
🎙️ RMAI Agri Conclave 2025
| Name | Title / Organisation | Brief Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| C Vamsi Krishna | CEO – AgriSensei | Leader of data-driven agri advisory platform helping farmers make better decisions through digital tools. agriconclave.rmai.in |
| Dr Gopal Lal | Acting Director, ICAR-NAARM | Senior agricultural research leader at ICAR-NAARM focused on innovation and rural research translation. agriconclave.rmai.in |
| Khurram Askari | Founder & MD – Insight India Network | Moderator and expert in rural insights and media, connecting data with action. |
| Dr Kalpana Sastry | Former Joint Director, ICAR-NAARM | Experienced agrarian scientist and academic with expertise in research and extension. |
| Kameswara Raju Vysyaraju | Advisor – Nyasta Gramojvala Solutions | Agri-ecosystem advisor supporting rural enterprise solutions. |
| Mayur Gohil | Business Head – ITC MAARS, ITC Agri Business Division | Corporate agribusiness leader driving rural market strategies in large agribusiness. |
| Neha Sivaprakasam | Chief Information/Digital Officer – Seedworks International Ltd | Technology and digital strategy expert in the seeds and agri value chain sector. |
| Neha Kanojia | Director – WEAIM (Womenergy Association of Incubators in Manufacturing) | Leader in women-focused incubation and entrepreneurial support ecosystem. |
| Naveen Kumar V | Founder & MD – NaPanta (FarmGreen Agritech India Pvt Ltd) | Agri-tech entrepreneur building solutions to improve farm productivity. |
| Punyavathi Pally | Marcom Lead & Brand Champion – South Asia, Corteva Agriscience | Marketing leader driving agri insights and brand engagement in rural markets. |
| Dr Sowmini Sunkara | Managing Director – Agrighar / WEAIM / WEMART | Agri-entrepreneur and ecosystem builder working on rural livelihoods and manufacturing-as-a-service. |
| Vijay Nadimiti | Agribusiness & Agritech Expert | Advisor and strategist in agri-business growth and technology adoption. |
| Tarak Dhurjati | Director – WhaleTank Biocatalysts & CEO – DEPL | Biotechnology and agri-innovation leader focusing on climate-smart agriculture. |
| Vamsi Udayagiri | Founder & CEO – HESA | Founder of rural commerce platform enhancing farmer and input market connectivity. |
| Dr Tavva Srinivas | Head – Agribusiness Management Division, ICAR | Academic and rural markets expert driving research and curriculum linking markets to agriculture. |
| Dr D. Ravinath | Dean – GM School of Business, GM University, Karnataka | Academic leader guiding business education with insights on rural and agri commerce. |
| Dr Venkatram Vasantavada | MD & CEO – Seedworks International Ltd. | Corporate leader in seed industry bringing strategic perspectives on agri inputs. |
| Srinivasakumar Karavadi | President – Inera Crop Science Pvt Ltd | Leader in crop science focused on input solutions for farmers. |
| Subrat Kumar Sahoo | Asst GM – Farm Sector Development Department (FSDD), NABARD | Public sector rural development specialist supporting farm credit and rural financing. |
| Dr Shalendra | Director – Agricultural Marketing, MANAGE, Hyderabad | Government agricultural marketing expert shaping rural market frameworks. |
| S Sivakumar | Group Head, Agri & IT Businesses – ITC | Senior agribusiness leader responsible for strategy linking technology to rural commerce. |
My Personal Learning & Reflection
As someone still learning this sector, I can honestly say —
this conclave helped me understand agriculture in a much deeper and more respectful way.
I was fortunate to:
- Learn from highly experienced and knowledgeable speakers
- Share the stage with leaders who have spent years working closely with farmers
- See how agriculture connects science, business, policy, and humanity
One thing became very clear to me:
Agriculture is an amazing sector — full of learning, innovation, and purpose.
And most importantly:
Farmers are the real heroes of this living earth.
They feed us, sustain us, and yet often remain unseen. I carry deep respect for them and sincerely wish to contribute — in every way I can — to support farmers, rural entrepreneurs, and women in this ecosystem.
Closing Thought
“When we listen to rural voices, learn from science, and act with responsibility, agriculture becomes not just a profession — but a service to humanity.”
I am grateful to RMAI, the Agri Conclave 2025, and every speaker who made this journey meaningful.
This experience has strengthened my belief that India’s agricultural future is bright — if we nurture it with knowledge, collaboration, and respect.
🌱 With gratitude, learning, and commitment to contribute.
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