About Us

Name : Dr. Basanta K. Sahu

Specialization : Economics

Designation : Professor & Head Economics Division

Email : bksahu@iift.edu / headeco@iift.edu

Qualification

Qualifications: 

BA (Eco Hons); MA (Economics); M. Phil (Economics); Ph.D. (Economics)

Areas of Interest / Specialization

Areas of Interest:

Teaching:

  • Development Economics; India's Development & Economic Policy; Trade & Development, Labour Economics, Macroeconomic Policy, International Economics, Microfinance
  • Policy Research:
  • Household Economics: resilince, recourse uses; risk coping; intra-household dynamics, gender relations
  • Development Policy Issues:  poverty, employment, gender, human development, trade and related issues
  • Agriculture: Agri markets (factor & product markets) & policy, institutions, agri-trade, farm-non farm links
  • Water, Drought, Food insecurity, Gender Issues: drought policy, food insecurity, water management 
  • Microfinance: products, markets, institutions, delivery

Work Experience

Current Position:

Professor (Economics) and Head, Economics Division, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi

Past Positions:  

  • Chair Professor (Economics), Tel Aviv University, Israel 
  • Visiting Professor: IIM Lucknow,  National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Technology, Food Security Institute, Food Corporation of India, 
  • Faculty: Dept of Economics, Sambalpur University, Burla
  • Fellow: S. Daniel Abraham Center for International and Regional Studies, Tel Aviv University,
  • Research Positions: NABARD, Institute of Economic Growth, NIPFP, CFDA
  • Awards/Honour:
  • Academician of Social Sciences (2014): International Academy of Social Sciences, USAfor contribution to the areas in social science research as well to wider society (the highest honour by IASS and equality of rank with a full teaching Professor)
  • Prativashree Award (2017): Prativashree Foundation, Odisha for contribution to academics and policy research
  • Bharat Vikas Award (2016): Bharat Vikas Council and ISR for contribution in policy research in the areas of economic and rural development in India 
  • Odisha Platinum Jubilee Award (2012): awarded by the Governor of Odisha for development policy research related to Odisha, India

Publications

Recent & Important Publications:

      I.  Refereed Research Articles

  •  Sahu B. K. (2020).  Rural-Urban Linkages and Local Growth Motors: A study of Nonfarm Activities in Odisha, Anvesak, Vol.49, No.2
  • Sahu, B. K. and S. Giri (2019). ‘Mainstreaming Microfince for Low Segment Housing Finance’, Manpower Journal (Special Issue on Microfinance), Vol. L1 No 3
  • Sahu, B. K. (2018), ‘Household Drought Coping, Food Insecurity & Women in Odisha’, Review of Women's Studies, Economic & Political Weekly, Vol. 53, Issue No. 17, 28 April, 2018, pp 70-78 
  • Sahu B K (2017) ‘Food Security in Drought Prone Areas in India: A study of Odisha and Gujarat’, International Journal of Development Studies, Vol IX, Issue 2, December, 2017
  • Sahu B K and S. Surabhi (2017), India and Mega-Regional trade Agreements, World Affairs: The Journal of International Issues, Volume 21 No 3. Autumn (July-September) 2017
  • Sahu, B.K. (2017), ’Household Coping with Drought and Migration:  a study of two drought affected areas in Odisha’, in D. N. Reddy and K. Sarap (eds.)  ‘Rural Labour Mobility in Times of Structural Transformation: Dynamics and Perspectives from Asian Economies’, Palgrave Macmillan by Springer, SBM Singapore (ISBN 978-981-10-5628-4)
  • Sahu B K (2016), 'India's New Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 and Trade Performance: Ambitions, Ideas, and Actions, The Bramhaputra, Vol. X, No. 1, February 2016
  • Sahu, B.K. (2015), ‘Access to Housing Finance by the Poor and Study of Microfinance for Housing (MFH) in India’,International Journal of Business and Economics Research, Volume 4, Issue 6, December 2015, Pages: 256-277

     II. Monographs/Books

  • Sahu B. K. (2010) ‘Microinsurance in India: Outreach & Efficacy, Centre for Microfinance Research, BIRD, NABARD
  • Sahu B. K. (2011) ‘Microfinance for Housing in India’, Centre for Microfinance Research, BIRD, NABARD.

III.  Policy Papers and Articles in Business Magazine

    Conference/Seminar Papers:
  • Sahu B. K. (2022), Drought and Food Insecurity in India: Understanding the Nature & Pattern at Household Level,(Theme 1: Food and Nutrition Security), 21st IASSI Conference; 13-15 June 2022; Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR ), Mumbai
  • Sahu B. K. (2019), ‘Rural-Urban Links and Local Growth Motors: A study of non-farm activities in Odisha’ a paper presented in the National Conference on ‘The Changing Rural Landscape-Pathway Ahead’ at Sardar Patel Institute Economic and Social Research, Organized by SPIESR, NABARD and NABARD, Ahmedabad, 4-5 July 2019
  • Sahu, B. K. (2019), ‘Food Insecurity and Gender Relations in Drought Prone Areas in India’, an invited paper presented in the ‘World Congress on Women – 2019 “Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future”, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India, 9th Sept 2019
  • Sahu, B. K. (2019), 'Household drought coping, food insecurity and gender relations in two villages in India' a paper presented in international conference - ICBASS-2019, Kyoto, Japan 26-28 March 2019 
  • Sahu, B. K. (2019), ‘Water Interventions and Gender in Drought Affected Areas: A study of Pani-Panchayat in Odisha, India’ an invited paper presented in International Seminar on “Understanding Water Crisis: The Way Forward” Organized by Synod College, Shillong , P.A. Sangma Foundation and Meghalaya Basin Development Authority, 6-7th June 2019, Shillong, Meghalaya.
  • Sahu B. K. (2017), Are new water interventions gender neutral? Study of Pani-Panchayat in India, a paper presented in the International Seminar on ‘Understanding the gender dimension of water and waste’ in the World Water Week-2017, organized by Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), Stockholm, Sweden, 27th Aug. 2017
  • Sahu B. K. (2017). ‘Inclusive Growth, Poverty and Agriculture in India: Performance of Odisha’, a paper presented in the international conference on economic development (ICED-2017): Inclusive Economic Growth: Rethinking the Development Process in a Time of Paradigm Shift’ organized by University of Sri Jayewardenepura, The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM), 15-17th June, 2017, Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • Sahu B. K. (2017), ‘Coping with Drought, Agriculture & Food Insecurity: An analysis of household surveys in Odisha & Gujarat’ a paper presented in the National Conference on ‘Sustainable Development Goals: India’s Preparedness and Role of Agriculture’, organized by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) and TASS, at NASC, Pusa, New Delhi,  11-12 May 2017
  • Sahu B. K. (2017), ‘Rural Credit and Insurance Interlinks – A note of Micro Insurance in India’, an invited paper presented in the National Seminar on ‘Changing Perspective of Rural Finance and Financial Inclusion of Rural Poor’ S. R. Sankaran Chair for Rural Labour, National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), Hyderabad, 28-29 April, 2017
  • Sahu B. K. (2017) ‘Household Drought Coping and Women in Odisha: Impact and Issues’, in the special session on ‘Climate Change and Gender’, ‘Women in a Changing World: Restructured Inequalities, Countercurrents and Sites of Resistance’, XV IAWS National Conference on Women’s Studies, University of Madras, Chennai, 22-25 Jan. 2017
  • Sahu B. K. (2016) ‘Food Insecurity and Gender in Drought Prone Areas in India: A case study of Odisha and Gujarat’,  a paper presented in the conference on ‘Gender Just Food and Nutrition Security in India’ organized by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), August 29, 2016, IHC, New Delhi
  • Sahu B. K. (2016) ‘Impact of Rural Development Programs on Households in Drought Affected Areas in Odisha: A study of MGNREGS’, a paper presented in the National Conference on ‘India’s Economic & Rural Development’, organized by Institute of Self Reliance (ISR), December 10, 2016, Bhubaneswar
  • Sahu B. K. (2016) 'Dynamics of Rural Non-farm Sector in Odisha: Issues and Dimensions', an invited research paper presented in the National Seminar on 'Dynamics of Rural Lbour Relations in India', National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD), Hyderabad, India 10-12 March 2016.
  • Sahu B. K. (2015) ‘Water-Food-Poverty and Gender in Drought affected regions in India’,a paper presented in the International Workshop on ‘Water as a driver for sustainable development and poverty eradication’, World Water Week -2015, Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), Stockholm, Sweden,  August 23-28, 2015
  • Sahu B. K. (2015) ‘Does Aces to Housing Finance Improves Housing Conditions of the Poor: An analysis of microfinance for housing in India’, a paper presented in the International Conference “IV European Microfinance Research Conference’, University of Geneva, Switzerland, 1-3rd June 2015.
  • Sahu B. K. (2015) ‘Migration, Household Labour Use for Adopting Climatic Stress:  a study of drought affected areas in Odisha’, a paper presented in International Conference on ‘Labour and Employment Issues in the Emerging Rural-Urban Continuum: Dimensions, Processes and Policies’, National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayti Raj (NIRDPR), Hyderabad, 12-14th March 2015
  • Sahu B. K. (2014) ‘Financing Pro-Poor Housing Activities: A study of microfinance for housing (MFH) in India’, a paper presented in 2nd International Workshop on ‘Inclusive Finance: Making Finance and Insurance Work for the Poor’, XLRI, Jamshedpur, 31st Oct-2nd Nov. 2014.
  • Sahu B. K. (2014) ‘MGNREGS and Household Coping with Drought: A study of two districts in Odisha’a paper presented in the International Conference on ‘MGNREGA in India: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead’, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai, 26-28th March 2014.
  • Sahu B. K. (2013) ‘Does Microinsurance Include the Poor? Findings from a field study in India’, a paper presented in 2nd International Workshop on ‘Inclusive Finance: Making Finance and Insurance Markets Work for the Poor’, XLRI, Jamshedpur, 13-15th Sept. 2013.
  • Sahu B. K. (2013) ‘Building Security for the Low Income Households: An Analysis of Microinsurance in India’ a paper presented in ‘the Third European Research Conference on Microfinance’, University of Agder, Kristiansand,  Norway, 10th June 2013.

 Invited Public Lectures:

  • Keynote address on “India’s Growth and Economic Challenges in the Shadow of the World’s 4th Largest Economy” Faculty Development Programme (FDP) Organized by Faculty of Management Sciences, SoA University, Bhubaneswar, 19th June 2025.
  • Special Lecture on “Current Global Trade: Trends, Impact & Sustainability” delivered at Rajdhani Autonomous College, Utakal University, Bhubaneswar, 25th March 2025.
  • Invited lecture on “Potential of and constraints of International Trade in Agriculture in Odisha” delivered at Dept. of Agri-Business Management, Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, 24th March 2025
  • Keynote address on “Empowering Change: Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a Better Tomorrow”, delivered at the National Conference organized by Department of MBA, KLS Gogte Institute of Technology, Belgavi, Karnatak, held on 27th & 28th September 2024.
  • Invited Lecture on “India’s Growth and Current Economic Challenges” delivered at Faculty of Management, Angadi Institute of Technology and Management, Belgavi, Karnatak, 29th Sept 2024
  • “Farm Bill 2020”as an invited speaker on the panel organized by the Economic Society, IIFT, New Delhi, 7th November 2020.
  • 'Current Economic Slowdown in India', an invited lecture delivered at Jaydev Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, Organization of United Working Journalist (OUWJ) Odisha, 23 Dec 2019
  • ‘National Consultative Convention on Seeds’at NASC Complex, PUSA, New Delhi, during November 21 -22, 2018
  • ‘Trade, Technology and Economic Growth Dynamics: India’s Experiences and Challenges’,an invited lecture delivered at Einstein Academy of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar, 2nd April 2018
  • ‘Coping with Drought & Food Insecurity’, an invited lecture delivered at M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Lecture Series: 2, Regional Centre, Jeypore, 24 Nov. 2017
  • ‘ Economic Transformation: Growth & Development Experiences during Post-Reform Period’, an invited lecture delivered at Central University of Odisha, Koraput, 24th Nov. 2017
  • ‘Agriculture & Small Farming in India: Markets, Opportunity & Challenges’, an invited lecture delivered as a resource person at Agronomy Division, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in the Summer School for Agriculture Scientists/Faculty organized by IARI-ICAR, Pusa, New Delhi, 26th June 2017
  • ‘Sustainable Agriculture in India: Challenges & Opportunity’, an invited lecture delivered for Technical Officers, Food Corporation of India, delivered at Institute of Food Security, Gurugram, 24th June 2017
  • ‘Recent Economic Performance of India and Sri Lanka’,  a special lecture delivered at University of Colombo, organized by Dept. of Economics, The World Bank, collaboration with Sri Lanka Economic Association (SLEA), Colombo, Sri Lanka, 16th June 2017
  • ‘Sustainable Agriculture in India: Challenges & Opportunity’, an invited lecture for Technical Officers, Food Corporation of India, delivered at Institute of Food Security, Gurugram, 24th May 2017.
  • ‘Introduction to Indian Economy and Analysis of Economic Indicators’, a special lecture for Officers of Food Corporation of India delivered at Institute of Food Security, Gurugram, 8th Feb 2017
  • ‘India’s 25 Years of Economic Reforms and Growth Performances’, a special invited lecture delivered at K M Centre for Post-Graduate Studies (Pondicherry Central University) and Institute of Social Sciences (ISS), Puducherry, 25 Jan. 2017
  • ‘Impact of Demonetization on Indian Economy’, a special invited lecture for sr. journalists and media persons deliver at National Media Confederation, New Delhi 21st Dec 2016
  • India’s Growth Challenges after 25 Years of Reforms: Stability & Inclusion, invited public lecture delivered at Faculty of Business Management, F M University, Odisha, 14 Dec. 2016
  • 'Structural Change and  Growth Performance of India: Trends and Transition' an invited public lecture delivered at School of Social Sciences, F. M. University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore, Odisha, 13 November 2015.
  • ‘Changing Agriculture, Food Consumption and Poverty’, delivered a lecture as Chief Guest on International Food Security Day at Institute of Food Security, Food Corporation of India, Gurgaon, India, 16th October 2015.
  • ‘Issues on Trade & Environment’, an invited lecture delivered at Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj, Gujrat, India, 23rd September 2015.
  • ‘India’s Economic Performance: Analysis of some key economic indicators’, an invited lecture delivered at Institute of Food Security, Food Corporation of India, 24thJune 2015.
  • ‘Socio-Economic aspects of Food Security in India: Policy & Prospects’an invited lecture delivered at Institute of Food Security, Food Corporation of India, 27th March 2015.
  • ‘Performance of India’s Foreign Trade in Changing Global Economy’, at School of Management, National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, 25th March 2013.
  • ‘Performance of Agriculture and Food Insecurity in India’, a lecture delivered at Manna Centre (Dept. of Molecular Biology & Ecology of Plants), George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Israel, 16th Jan. 2013.
  • ‘India the Emerging Giant: The Evolution of Indian Economy’, a lecture delivered at Dept. of Asian Studies, Faculty of Humanities, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Israel, 7th Jan. 2013.
  • ‘Growth Performance of Indian Economy: Recent Trends & Policies’, an invited Lecture for the Students and researchers of Dept. of Asian Studies, Faculty of Social Science, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel, 31st Dec 2012.
  • ‘Agricultural Credit in India: Constraints & Role of Microfinance’, a lecture delivered at Dept. of Agriculture Economics, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food & Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 30th Dec. 2012.
  • ‘India Achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): Challenges and Policy Issues’, a public lecture delivered at The S. Daniel Abraham Center for International and Regional Studies, Tel Aviv University, 27th Dec. 2012.
  • ‘Micro-finance & Women Empowerment in India’,a lecture delivered at Dept. of Asian Studies, Faculty of Social Science, University of Haifa, Israel, 17th Dec. 2012.
  • ‘Changing Agrarian & Social Relations in India: Growth of Non-farm Activities & Rural Classes', a lecture delivered at Dept. of Sociology & Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6th Dec. 2012.
  • ‘Financial Inclusion and Microfinance in India’, a lecture delivered at Dept. of East Asian Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Tel Aviv University, 13th Nov. 2012.

Professional / Academic Affiliations

Professional/Academic Affiliations:

  • Visiting Professor, National Institute Food Technology Enterpreneurship Management (NIFTEM), Sonepat
  • Visiting Professor, LBSIM, New Delhi
  • Visiting Professor, Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow 
  • Vsiting Faculty, Institute of Food Security, Food Corporation of India, Gurugram
  •  Member, National Committee on Integrity and Transparency in Governance, New Delhi 

    • Life Member

  • International academy of Social Sciences (IASS), USA
  • International Society for Development & Sustainability (ISDS) Japan
  • Gender & Water Alliance (GAW), Netherlands,
  • Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security (CFNS), India
  • Forum for Policy Dialogue on Water Conflicts in India, India
  • Agriculture Economics Research Association (AERA), India
  • Indian Association of Women Studies (IAWS), India
  • Indian Society for Labour Economics (ISLE), India
  • Indian Association of Social Science Institutions (IASSI), India
  • Eastern Geographical Society (EGS), India
  • Indian Association for the Study of Population (IASP), India

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