Sophiya is a marketing and hospitality professional with over 10 years' experience in the Nepalese market. She brings diverse entrepreneurship and business experience. Besides managing the business and operations, she uses her network to increase commercial transactions between B2B companies. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Kathmandu University.
As the COO at Mandala Agrifresh, Raunak orchestrates strategic operations, drawing from a rich background in business consultancy cultivated during years of work in Japan. Balancing a deep understanding of Japanese markets with a global perspective, Raunak drives sustainable growth and fosters innovation. With hands-on leadership, Raunak collaborates across departments, optimizing processes and guiding Mandala Agrifresh towards greater efficiency and market expansion.
Nishad Malla is a sustainability educator and an agro-entrepreneurship enthusiast who has many years of involvement in the filed of agriculture, education and sustainability. He has wide range of experience ranging from agriculture research, farm management, technical education and training, etc. He completed his masters in International Horticulture from Leibniz University Hannover.
Market systems development professional with robust experience in agriculture, Sudeep has over nine years of expertise working with agri-businesses in Nepal. Sudeep's extensive expertise spans various domains, including agricultural market systems development, enhancing post-production supply chains, and facilitating market access. This breadth of experience has equipped him with a profound understanding of the systemic constraints, opportunities, and practical nuances within Nepal's agriculture sector. He holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of East Anglia
An ardent enthusiast of agriculture and business, Pragya holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a strong academic foundation in Science through her Cambridge International A Levels in Pure Science. At Mandala Agrifresh, Pragya combines her enthusiasm for agriculture with her business acumen to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers with a mission to contribute to a future where innovation and tradition coexist, creating a greener, healthier, and more prosperous agricultural landscape.
Shaswat is a sales and marketing professional with expertise in the fresh produce market and a strong interest in Supply Chain Management. He is also managing procurement of fresh commodities from across Nepal while driving sales and market strategies. Shaswat holds a Bachelors degree in International Business from London Metropolitan University
Dr. Durga Mani Gautam is a distinguished horticulturist with extensive experience in postharvest horticulture. He completed his MS in Postharvest Horticulture at UPLB, Philippines and earned his Ph.D. in Horticulture from BARI, Bangladesh. Dr. Gautam has also received extensive postharvest horticulture training from Israel, the UK, and the Philippines. He served at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Tribhuvan University, for over three decades in various leadership roles and was the first Chairman of the Service Commission of Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU). Currently an adjunct professor at AFU, Dr. Gautam has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Mahendra Bidhya Bhusan 'Ka' Gorkha Dakshin Bahu-Chautha, Shikshya Puraskar, Dirgha Sewa Padak and the International Award for "Outstanding Research Leader and Scientist in Quality and Postharvest Horticulture" by International Society of Horticulture Science (ISHS) and Royal University of Agriculture, Cambodia. He has authored over 100 publications and serves as an editor for several journals.
Ex- Chief Information Commissioner- National Information Commission, Ex- Secretary- Ministry of Finance
Professor Anil Kumar Anal is a distinguished scientist, academic leader, and global expert in Food Science, Food Safety, Functional Foods, and Bioeconomy. He serves as the Professor and Chair of the Food Innovation, Nutrition, and Health (FINH) and Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology (FEBT) programs at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand. Beyond his tenure at AIT, Prof. Anal has held academic and research positions at Otago University and Massey University in New Zealand as well as holding Honorary Professor and Adjunct Professorship in various other Universities in region. Recognized among the Top 0.1% of scientists in Food Science he has dedicated his career to advancing innovative and sustainable food systems. His research interests encompass food safety, nutrition security, innovative food processing, and bioeconomy. He has a particular focus on functional foods, valorizing food waste and agro-residues, studying antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and developing delivery systems to enhance bioavailability and bioaccessibility of nutrients. With an h-index of 50 and over 11,000 citations, he has authored over 200 high-impact journal articles (primarily in Q1 journals), 65+ book chapters, and 10 books, and holds 10 international patents. His research and consultancy projects, funded by the European Union, USAID (United States Assistance for International Development), ADB (Asian Development Bank), World Bank, UN-FAO, UNIDO (United Nation Industrial Development Organization), UNEP (UN Environmental Program), and leading food and biotech enterprises, have contributed significantly to global food security, safety, and policy development. Beyond research, Prof. Anil is a trusted advisor, keynote speaker, and editorial board member for top international journals. His insights on sustainable food systems, innovation, and industry transformation have shaped global discussions, including an opinion piece on millets published in Forbes (USA) in 2024. Passionate about translating science into real-world impact, he remains committed to building a healthier, safer, and more sustainable food future for all.
