Meet Davuluri Venkateswarlu: Advocate for change in Agriculture
Advocate for Change in Agriculture Dr. Davuluri Venkateswarlu, is a seasoned expert in agrarian studies, holding a PhD in “Changing Agrarian Relations in Andhra Pradesh.” With a rich background spanning two decades, he has made significant contributions to policy and academic discussions on child labour and agriculture in India. Venkateswarlu’s impactful work as a social labour consultant and researcher has left its mark on organizations such as ILO, UNICEF, BCI, WWF, Fair Labour Association, and more. His pioneering research on child labour in cotton production has sparked crucial debates among scholars, activists, seed companies, and policymakers, leading to proactive interventions in the seed industry.
He actively serves on a national multi-stakeholder monitoring committee, addressing child labour, minimum wage, and safety issues in contract seed farms. His leadership in developing action plans for seed companies and ensuring their implementation is commendable. As a lead verifier, Venkateswarlu has conducted over 100 audits for the Fair Labour Association (FLA), thirdparty verifications for BCI and SSI, and joint audits for seed companies across India’s diverse regions from 2010 to 2017.
His prolific contributions extend to numerous publications, including books, reports, and articles, addressing critical social and economic issues in Indian farming. Many of these valuable resources are readily available for free download online, reflecting his commitment to knowledge sharing and positive change.
Dr. Davuluri Venkateswarlu, a seasoned agrarian studies expert with a PhD in ‘Changing Agrarian Relations in Andhra Pradesh,’ has made significant contributions over two decades to child labor and agriculture discussions in India. His work as a social labor consultant and researcher has impacted organizations like ILO, UNICEF, BCI, WWF, and the Fair Labor Association. His pioneering research on child labor in cotton production has spurred important debates, leading to proactive interventions in the seed industry. He also serves on a national multi-stakeholder committee addressing child labor, minimum wage, and safety in contract seed farms, demonstrating strong leadership in action plan development and implementation for seed companies.
Dr. Davuluri Venkateswarlu,
Director & CEO
