Meet Our Team

Shweta Saini

Founder and CEO

Dr. Shweta Saini is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Arcus Policy Research, where she brings a distinguished background as an agricultural economist, underpinned by a sustained commitment to evidence-based policymaking and institutional advisory. Her work spans the conceptualization and evaluation of interventions that seek to enhance agricultural productivity, augment farmer incomes, and strengthen linkages to markets. With a focus on fostering inclusive and resilient agrarian systems, she engages with complex policy environments to inform strategies that are both contextually grounded and analytically robust.

She has led and co-led several multi-sectoral research studies and policy assessments in collaboration with central and state governments, contributing to the development of targeted policy frameworks that promote gender inclusion, nutritional security, and sustainable rural livelihoods. Her expertise lies in translating empirical insights into actionable policy recommendations that address structural challenges and advance equity within the rural economy.

Dr. Saini is the co-author of three books and has published widely in peer-reviewed journals, institutional reports, and policy briefs. Her writing also appears regularly in national dailies, where she engages with broader public policy debates and development discourse. An alumna of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, Dr. Saini is committed to bridging the gap between rigorous empirical research and policy praxis, particularly within the agricultural and allied sectors.

Pulkit Khatri

Lead - Local Voices

Pulkit Khatri is an agricultural economist specializing in value chain analysis, agricultural markets, and policy research. At Arcus Policy Research, Pulkit leads the Local Voices initiative, managing large-scale studies and stakeholder engagements to elevate grassroots perspectives in policy discourse.

Previously, he worked with GDI Partners, FOLU, and Bharat Krishak Samaj, contributing to strategy design, farmer income enhancement, and critical policy evaluations. Pulkit’s research spans biofuels, agri-credit, market integration, and food security, with publications in peer-reviewed journals and national platforms.

He holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune, and is skilled in econometric modelling, predictive analytics, and policy design. His work reflects a commitment to evidence-based insights for inclusive and resilient agri-food systems

Gopal Krishan Sood

Senior Consultant

Gopal Krishan Sood is a seasoned professional with over 60 years of experience across business management, public policy, and commodity trade. A postgraduate in economic-statistics from the Delhi School of Economics, he began his career with the Oil & Natural Gas Commission and later held pivotal roles at the Steel Authority of India and the Ministry of Steel, where he was closely involved in the computerisation of steel allocation and policy advisory.

He played a transformative role as the Managing Director of the Gujarat Cooperative Oilseeds Growers Federation, an initiative under the National Dairy Development Board aimed at strengthening farmer cooperatives and agro-processing infrastructure. He later served as CEO of the Vanaspati Manufacturers’ Association of India and led the VMA Oilseeds Research & Development Institute. His corporate leadership includes roles as CEO of Louis Dreyfus Company India, Executive Director at Shree Renuka Sugars, and Chairman of Noble Resources India (now COFCO India).

Mr. Sood has also advised several key players in the sugar and bioenergy sectors, including Godavari Biorefineries, Nirani Sugars, and the All India Sugar Trade Association. Currently, he serves as Chairman and Independent Director at Meir Commodities Ltd, and as Independent Director at K N Agri Resources Ltd and Shivaji Cane Processors. He is also a Trustee of Legally Speaking and Principal Associate at The Law Point.

His lifelong contributions to industry and cooperative reform have been widely recognized with lifetime achievement awards from leading industry bodies.

Archana Mishra

Human Resources Manager

Arundhati Guin

Associate Consultant

Ayush Raj

Research Analyst

Ayush Raj is a Research Analyst at Arcus Policy Research with a strong foundation in both primary and secondary research methodologies. His current work centers on analysing the evolving policy and institutional landscape of Sri Lankan agriculture, with a focus on understanding its strategic realignments and cross-sectoral implications. He holds a Master of Arts in Cities and Governance from the School of Public Policy and Governance, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Hyderabad, where he developed a deep interest in the intersections of rural transformation, governance, and policy design.
Ayush brings a spatial lens to his research, often integrating regional contexts and comparative perspectives into his analysis. Outside the rigour of research, he is an avid reader and cyclist—two pursuits that continue to inform his curiosity, discipline, and reflective approach to both life and work.

Deepak Rai

Accountant

Deepak Rai is the Accountant at Arcus Policy Research, bringing over two decades of experience in accounts and financial management. He holds a Master’s degree in Financial Management from the Central University of Pondicherry. Throughout his career, Deepak has worked across diverse organizations, undertaking varied responsibilities that have enabled him to design and streamline accounting systems to support efficient financial operations.
His extensive expertise ensures financial oversight and contributes to the institutional stability. Beyond his professional commitments, he enjoys travelling and playing chess—both of which reflect his analytical acumen and curiosity.

Manoj Kumar

Administrative Assistant

Manoj Kumar serves as the Administrative Assistant at Arcus Policy Research, where he plays an integral role in managing day-to-day operations and supporting organizational efficiency. His responsibilities span logistical coordination, administrative oversight, and task management—ensuring the seamless execution of internal processes and functioning as a vital support system for the wider team.
With a strong sense of diligence and reliability, Manoj contributes significantly to maintaining a structured and responsive work environment. Beyond the office, he finds joy in playing cricket and exploring new places through travel.

MD Nurul Hoda

Senior Analyst

Dr. MD Nurul Hoda is a Senior Analyst at Arcus Policy Research, where his work focuses on income security and rural livelihoods through evidence-based benchmarking and policy diagnostics. He has contributed to the Living Income Benchmark (LIB) initiative for psyllium farmers in Phalodi, Rajasthan—an effort to establish context-specific income thresholds that reflect the cost of a decent standard of living in rural economies.

Currently, he is engaged in expanding the LIB framework to agricultural households across Bihar, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh, with an aim to inform programmatic design and improve livelihood outcomes. His research interests lie at the intersection of rural development, agrarian change, and socio-economic justice.

Dr. Hoda holds a PhD in Philosophy from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Outside of research, he is known for his affable presence and a deep appreciation for the everyday joys of life—qualities that enrich both his professional and personal engagements.

Saksham Dua

Associate - Smart Data

Shreshtha Jeniffer Peter

Research Analyst

Shreshtha Jeniffer Peter is a Research Analyst at Arcus Policy Research, currently contributing to the Generating Agriculture Intelligence via Modelling & Automation (GAIN) project. Her work lies at the intersection of data-driven analysis and developmental research, reflecting her growing engagement with policy-relevant issues in the agricultural sector. Through prior internships and academic training, she has cultivated a strong foundation in research methodologies and policy analysis.
She holds a Master’s degree in Economics with a specialization in Development Studies from the Symbiosis School of Economics, Pune. Her academic orientation allows her to bring a critical and informed lens to contemporary development challenges.
Beyond her working desk, Shreshtha is an avid traveler, driven by a curiosity to explore new cultures and geographies.

Shivi Grover

Research Analyst

Shivi Grover serves as a Research Analyst at Arcus Policy Research, where her multidisciplinary training shapes her engagement with questions of rural development, livelihoods, and agrarian policy. She holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the National Law School of India University, Bangalore, and is a Young India Fellow from Ashoka University. Her academic trajectory, rooted in both analytical rigour and critical inquiry, informs her approach to navigating complex policy intersections.
She is currently involved in research that seeks to harness data-driven insights to inform the design of equitable and impactful social policies, with a particular focus on rural and agricultural transformations.

Shruti Priya

Research Analyst

Shruti Priya is a Research Analyst at Arcus Policy Research with over three years of experience examining agri-commodity markets and synthesizing market intelligence. Her current work focuses on tracking domestic and global trends in the edible oils sector, with an emphasis on price movements, trade dynamics, and consumption patterns. Shruti holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Food Business from Amity University, where she developed a strong foundation in agribusiness management and food value chains.
Her analytical approach is informed by both quantitative rigor and a keen understanding of market behavior, contributing to the evidence base for sectoral decision-making. Passionate about continuous learning, Shruti is equally invested in personal development and reflection. She engages deeply with practices that foster self-awareness and intentional growth. Beyond her professional commitments, she channels her creativity into culinary pursuits, finding joy and calm in experimenting with flavors and techniques.

Vansh Oberoi

Data Analyst

Vansh Oberoi is a Data Analyst at Arcus Policy Research, where he works at the intersection of econometric modeling and macroeconomic forecasting. His contributions include the development of predictive tools to analyze commodity price trends, inflationary dynamics, and sectoral shifts, thereby informing strategic policy interventions within agriculture and allied domains. His analytical approach integrates structural modeling techniques to assess the implications of evolving economic variables on market behaviour.
He holds a Master of Arts in Economics from the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune, where he cultivated a rigorous foundation in quantitative research and applied economic analysis. Outside his professional engagement with data and models, Vansh is a nationally recognized Taekwondo practitioner, exemplifying discipline, strategic thinking, and perseverance across both academic and athletic pursuits.