Dr. Pratap Singh Birthal has joined the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) as a Distinguished Fellow, where he will strengthen the Agriculture activities of RIS and DAKSHIN’s initiative, with a focus on advancing policy-relevant research and cooperation across the Global South.

Dr. Birthal is a leading agricultural economist with over three decades of experience in research, policy advisory, and institutional leadership. He most recently served as Director of the ICAR–National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (ICAR-NIAP), New Delhi, and held the prestigious position of ICAR National Professor. He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI).

His work has significantly shaped agricultural policy in India, particularly in food demand-supply projections, diversification, livestock economics, and climate-resilient agriculture. He has developed long-term projections up to 2047, providing a strong evidence base for national planning. His contributions to MSP analysis, input subsidies, and market reforms reflect a balanced approach to farmer welfare, fiscal prudence, and environmental sustainability, alongside innovative work on water management and solar-linked micro-irrigation.

He has played a key role in national policymaking, including chairing working groups for NITI Aayog and the National Sample Survey Office, with contributions to agricultural statistics, livestock development, and food security recognised through prestigious honours such as the Rafi Ahmad Kidwai Award and NAAS National Fellowship.

Dr. Birthal has an extensive publication record across leading international and national journals, policy papers, and edited volumes. His research collaborations include partnerships with institutions such as IFPRI, World Bank, FAO, and ICRISAT, reflecting a strong global engagement and comparative perspective on agricultural transformation in developing economies.

At RIS, his leadership will strengthen research and policy dialogue on food systems transformation, agricultural trade, and climate resilience, while contributing to knowledge-sharing, capacity building, and South-South cooperation among developing countries.