Y V Pratap
Development Professional & Project Manager | Centurion University
A dedicated Development Professional with 10+ years of experience in driving sustainable livelihoods and rural growth. I specialize in community mobilization, value chain development, and strategic market linkages to empower smallholder farmers, SHGs, and FPOs across India.
Core Expertise
Enterprise Development
Focus on the growth and sustainability of SHGs and FPOs, creating independent community-owned businesses for rural income growth.
Stakeholder Coordination
Expert in navigating complex partnerships with Government, Civil Society Organizations, NGOs, and corporate partners.
Value Chain Management
Developing efficient market linkages, enhancing agricultural productivity, and ensuring quality input supply for smallholder farmers.
Professional Journey
2019 - Present
Project Manager, CEO Center for Smart Agriculture Production
Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM)
- Currently leading projects focused on sustainable livelihoods, value chain development, and FPO/SHG growth.
- Directly managed the Diafit Rice value chain and the Tribal Women Incense Stick Enterprise project in Gajapati.
2013 - 2017
Project Coordinator
KIIT University and KISS
- Managed community-based projects, coordinating activities and training programs between the institution, local NGOs, and government departments.
- Engaged in capacity building and resource mobilization for large-scale social and educational initiatives.
2012 - 2013
Executive Trainee
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
- Gained foundational corporate experience in professional operations, team coordination, and structured work processes.
- This initial role provided a platform for leveraging technical skills (B.Tech) in a professional setting.
Fieldwork & Community Impact
High-Impact Projects
Diafit Rice: Low GI Variety Value Chain (Gajapati)
Production, Processing, and Market Scaling
Led farmer engagement to scale the RNR 15048 (low GI) rice variety. Managed group linkages and inputs with Centurion University support, directly leading to enhanced farmer income and stable production in the region.
Tribal Women Incense Stick Enterprise (Gajapati)
SHG Enterprise Model & Brand Building
Established and managed manufacturing and marketing for Incense Sticks with tribal SHG women. Successfully built an independent brand and empowered women through full control of the value chain with ITDA support.
Community & Political Mobilization
Data-Driven Campaigns and Cadre Organization
Provided support for local leadership development and political strategy, including assisting an MLA in Nalgonda with data organization and campaign strategy, and field immersion in Jharkhand for local cadre setup.
Food Sovereignty and Livelihood Research
Fieldwork in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Bengaluru
Engaged with small farmers and tribal communities on Food Sovereignty and conducted research on the implications of organic farming on the livelihoods of urban peripheral farmers.
Education
M.A. in Development
Azim Premji University
2017 - 2019
B.Tech in Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
KIIT University
2008 - 2012