Shourish Chakravarty joins Virginia Tech’s Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Shourish Chakravarty, an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, joined Virginia Tech’s Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center in November.

With a Ph.D. in agricultural economics from the University of Florida, he aims to enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability for farmers and agricultural stakeholders in Virginia.

His research focuses on using economic tools to tackle issues in farming, technology adoption, conservation, and crop profitability. He is committed to delivering timely, relevant, and comprehensive research on pressing agricultural challenges.

Recently, Chakravarty shared insights about his past experiences and his objectives for this new position.

What drew you to this role?

What drew me to this position is the opportunity to apply my expertise to Virginia's diverse agricultural landscape and collaborate directly with farmers and stakeholders to address issues in productivity, profitability, and sustainability. I am very excited to join Virginia Tech and consider it an honor to serve the people of the state through meaningful research and Extension efforts.

What have you found to be the most rewarding aspect of your research and Extension experiences thus far?

The most rewarding aspect of my research and Extension experience has been translating research findings into practical, actionable solutions that directly benefit farmers and agricultural stakeholders. Additionally, engaging with stakeholders to understand their challenges and collaboratively develop solutions has reinforced my commitment to addressing real-world issues. Knowing that my work can contribute to long-term agricultural resilience and success is what motivates me the most.

What are you most looking forward to in this new role?

As a new faculty, my objective is to establish a research and Extension program that provides timely, relevant, and comprehensive research addressing critical issues in agricultural profitability and long-term sustainability. To achieve this, I am looking forward to working with the Virginia Cooperative Extension agents to understand the pressing issues that growers in Virginia face. I am also very excited to collaborate with the esteemed faculty at the Southern Piedmont AREC and Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics, my parent department.

How have your previous experiences prepared you?

During my postdoctoral research at the University of Florida, I worked on impactful agricultural projects focused on analyzing economic feasibility of new technology and conservation practice adoption. My graduate and postdoctoral experience involved diverse research projects that helped me develop my technical skills and the ability to communicate effectively with growers and stakeholders. I am particularly motivated to bridge the gap between research and application by translating findings into actionable insights that support farmers, producers, and policymakers in their decision-making.

What are some goals you have for your first year in this position?

My primary goal for the first year is to understand the key issues affecting the profitability and long-term economic viability of growers in Virginia, particularly in the central region. To achieve this, I will focus on building strong relationships with growers, stakeholders, and Extension agents. These interactions will help me effectively distinguish between immediate and long-term needs, identify micro- and macro-level factors influencing these issues, and select the most suitable medium to communicate my research findings. These efforts will form the foundation for establishing a research and Extension program that delivers timely, relevant, and research-based information to support growers and stakeholders effectively.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy travelling with my wife Bijeta, spending time with my nieces, and learning about diverse cultures and geographies.

Additional details to share with readers?

I will strive to emulate my late father’s work ethic, guided by his steadfast commitment to exceeding expectations. Through my efforts, I aim to uphold Virginia Tech’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).