Shaik N. Meera has notable professional accomplishments in the field of digital agriculture and extension systems, with substantial international experience. With over two decades of professional experience, Dr. Meera has led numerous impact acceleration efforts both in India and internationally. His expertise includes integrating cutting-edge digital technologies, modernizing extension methodologies, and developing value chains that enhance agricultural sustainability.
Currently he is serving as Director of ICAR ATARI Hyderabad, an Unit of Federal Government of India, looking after Frontline Extension in four South Indian provinces (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry). Overseeing the operational management of 72 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Dr. Meera's leadership has facilitated advancements in technology dissemination, farmer capacity building, frontline extension activities and large-scale impacts in agri-food systems.
During 2020-22, he worked as a Senior Technical Expert (Digital Agriculture and Extension Systems) at the United Nation's International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). He designed and deployed innovative extension strategies and programs across the rural value chains in 18 countries in Near East, North Africa, Central Asia, and Europe (NEN) region. Further, as a consultant, he extended technical support to national and international organizations in modernizing their extension programs with Mobile and cloud computing.
During 2003-2020, he led 14 large-scale extension, digital, and development projects. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recognized the Rice Knowledge Management Portal developed by him as Consortium Leader, as one of the best use case of digital applications in agriculture (B: C Ratio of 1.46:1).
He oversaw projects on diverse focal areas. They include: extension development programs (#14), extension capacities (e-learning, mobile apps, knowledge banks), livelihoods (smallholder tribal development), financial inclusion (blockchain, e wallets), value chain (ERPs in private agencies, traceability), product targeting with GIS/RS (green super rice), markets and local aggregation models, Smart Applications in Irrigation Management (Smartphone based Pump starters) and SME partnerships (FDCs), private sector engagement including mentoring of AgTech, Fintech, StartUps (SDGia, Indigram labs).
As National Coordinator of Indian Frontline Demonstrations Program, he coordinated 10,640 FLDs with 106 AICRIP centers and 54 KVKs and introduced 375 new rice varieties/ hybrids, benefitting 26,600 rice farmers directly. He built infrastructure worth Rs. 103 Lakhs, contributed to ISO Certification and attracted Rs. 9 crores worth projects. He organized 72 training and capacity development programs.
As a leader of innovative projects, he contributed to modernizing agricultural extension organizations using a range of digital innovations. As a Visiting Researcher, supported International Rice Research Institute (Philippines, 2012-13), creating a global brand for Rice Knowledge Bank and Rice Doctor. He led multi-disciplinary teams under the Global Rice Science Partnership (GRiSP) (2011-2015) and Green Super Rice (GSR) project (IRRI and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 2017-19).
He was a visiting researcher at Iowa State University (2010). He visited 25 countries to design, deploy, share, and learn the digital & extension development strategies for organizations.
He received twelve national and international awards that include the prestigious ICAR Lal Bahadur Shastri Outstanding Young Scientist Award (2014) and Indian Agriculture Leadership Award (2013). He published about 200 research papers, policy briefs, blogs, bulletins, books, etc.,