Dr. R. Balakrishnan has been a Development Banker and Executive Director of NABARD. Later he served as Director, School of Management, VLBJCET, Coimbatore. At present he is the CFO of Meta Yage IP Strategy Consulting, Bangalore (www.metayage.com).
He had a distinguished academic career in science specilising in radiation physics at BARC and later public adminstration culminating in the award of a Doctorate for his thesis on "Making Agriculture in Uttar Pradesh Competitive through Supply Chain Management". He completed a course on Development Banking and Financial Management at University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.
He believes that agriculture-led prosperity is the most desired solution to the problem of poverty and win-win networks between the farming and the rest of the economy is possible and desirable. He has deep insights into the rural livelihood issues and is passionate about creating better opportunities for the rural poor. He has contributed to microfinance and small enterprise promotion. He recognises the bond between the farmer and his land and is against the alienation of land from the farmer. For him ethical and efficient business is sustainable development. Starting his career with the Computer Division of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, he has a scientific approach evidenced throughout the book. (Contact: rbala43@gmail.com)