Joel Kumar

Area of Expertise:

• Agriculture, Livelihoods, Microfinance, Rural, Urban
• Environment, Climate, Energy, Water, Sanitation
• Fundraising, Business Development, Grants Writer
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Policy, Research

Professional Experience:

I am currently working on a research project that explores how urban expansion can coexist with sustainable agriculture in peri-urban areas, using Chennai as a demonstrative case.

Over the last 14 years, I have built a unique blend of experience across policy research and regenerative agriculture. I began my career at the Centre for Science & Environment (CSE) as a policy research assistant in the Renewable Energy team, where I worked on scaling off-grid renewable solutions in remote regions and published research on waste management and waste-to-energy initiatives.

Following this, I transitioned to managing operations for a medicinal herb company while training and later managing a biodynamic farm. During this period, I gained hands-on expertise in permaculture, traditional farming practices, and organic distribution, and supported the conversion of chemical farms to organic systems.

Bringing together my background in environmental policy and practical agricultural work, I now focus on shaping public policy for regenerative and sustainable agriculture.