Rakesh Kuppili

About Rakesh Kuppili

Seasoned Program Manager with extensive experience in designing and managing agroecology projects. Successfully led initiatives for Access Livelihoods, benefiting 550 women farmers in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Experience in developing agroecological production systems, capacity building, and market linkage for sustainable agriculture. Previous role as Senior Executive Marketing at Rallis India, specializing in data analysis, sales performance, and project execution. Demonstrates strong leadership, community engagement, and strategic planning skills.

Experience

1. Program Manager

   Access Livelihoods

   Feb 2023 — Present · Hyderabad, IN

   In February 2023, I joined Access Livelihoods as the Head of Agroecology. My role here allowed me to design and manage agroecology projects in two clusters: Kodangal (Vikarabad, Telangana) and Kotturu (Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh). These projects were part of the larger vision of establishing agroecology farmers. In Kodangal, I worked with 300 women farmers, and in Kotturu, with 250 farmers. The primary crops in these regions include Redgram, Groundnut, Ajwain in Kodangal, and Turmeric, Cashew, Paddy in Kotturu.My responsibilities included developing production practices for agroecological transition, ensuring that the yields and productivity were maintained. I organized Kharif training programs, Farmer Field Schools, and exposure visits to enhance the farmers\' knowledge and practices. One of my key achievements was facilitating market linkages for sustainable produce, ensuring that the products fetched premium prices through traditional processing methods.Additionally, I managed a Women Entrepreneurship Program aimed at empowering women with limited access to education or those who were school dropouts. This nine-month project included three months of classroom sessions followed by six months of incubation. We trained 75 women across Kodangal and Loisingha, equipping them with managerial skills required to establish and run successful enterprises. The program was a significant success, and many of these women have now become successful entrepreneurs.In my capacity as the regional manager, I also oversaw the operations of Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in Kodangal and Kotturu. These FPCs play a crucial role in achieving profitability and providing services to farmers. We managed to reach a turnover of ₹1 crore through sales from these FPCs, ensuring timely repayments of loans and marketing products and services to both consumers and farmers.

Education

• Symbiosis Institute of International Business

  Postgraduate Degree, Agricultural Business and Management

• Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University

  Bachelor's degree, Agriculture, General