Soumya Kulkarni

I am Dr. Soumya Kulkarni, an agricultural professional with a strong academic background and a deep passion for Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture (B.Sc. Agri), a Master’s (M.Sc. Agri) in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, and a Ph.D. in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, with my research focused on soil fertility management and nutrient dynamics across diverse cropping systems.

Over the past four years, I have been actively engaged in field-level agricultural development, working directly with farmers through trainings, demonstrations, soil testing initiatives, and hands-on capacity-building programs. I am committed to enhancing farm productivity through science-based solutions while ensuring long-term soil health and environmental sustainability. 

I envision a future where farmers are empowered with the right knowledge, tools, and support to make informed decisions that protect soil health, increase productivity, and promote environmental sustainability. Through continued research, education, and grassroots engagement, I aim to contribute meaningfully to  agricultural transformation.

Since 2011, I have built a well-rounded career in agriculture, integrating scientific research, field implementation, and grassroots-level capacity building. I began as a Lab Technician at UAS Raichur (Sept 2011 – Sept 2012), where I performed nutrient analysis of soil, water, fertilizers, and plant samples using a wide range of laboratory instruments. As a Senior Research Fellow (Aug 2014 – July 2015), I conducted field surveys in pollution-affected areas and evaluated the impact of thermal power emissions on soil health and crop productivity. In 2019, I served as a Research Associate at the College of Horticulture, Sirsi, for the “Zero Budget Natural Farming – Zone 9” project, focusing on farmer surveys, organic farming trainings, and sample testing. In June 2021, I joined Solidaridad as a Programme Officer and was later promoted to Assistant Manager, recognizing my leadership in field operations. At Solidaridad, I have been instrumental in conducting crop-based field demonstrations, sustainability and regenerative agriculture trainings, farmer group mobilization, and technical documentation. I have organized and facilitated farmer trainings, field day programs, and hands-on capacity-building sessions, with a special focus on empowering women farmers through targeted training modules. I have also contributed to the development of training manuals, promoted climate-resilient practices, and worked closely with local communities, project partners, and institutions to promote sustainable agriculture. My ability to communicate in local languages, mobilize farmer participation, and manage multiple tasks has allowed me to bridge the gap between science and field-level application, creating lasting impact in farming communities.

Dr. Soumya Kulkarni holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, with a specialization in soil fertility management and nutrient dynamics. She also completed her M.Sc. (Agri.) and B.Sc. (Agri.) in the same discipline, building a strong academic foundation in Soil Science, Agricultural Chemistry, and sustainable soil management practices. Her research has focused on improving soil health and supporting environmentally sustainable crop production systems.