Get to know the people involved in ARCH-India. From senior experts to early career researchers, learn about their careers, what makes them tick, and how they are collaborating. This month, we meet Monash University’s Associate Professor of International Political Economy Jagjit Plahe.

Jagjit has a strong commitment to teaching, research and service that focuses on global justice and sustainability. Currently, she is focused on two projects. The first is a joint project between Monash University, the Indian Institute of Management Udaipur and World Vision India, which empirically measures the resilience of women during the second wave of COVID-19. The second explores how Indian food producers are organising for change through a farmer-led organic agri-food certification system. 

What gets you excited about work?

Agri-food systems; this is my passion and my focus. The work of farmers and farming communities in India who are innovators and leading change across the country inspires me.

What’s the best part of your work?

The best part of my work is sitting with farming communities in India and learning from them; I would call it “deep listening”.

What does successful research collaboration look like to you?

Forming a great team where everyone takes responsibility for some aspects of the work; where we produce joint research outputs; where as a team we are able to make a real impact in the world and where each team member feels inspired by the work.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I have done two permaculture design courses and I spend my spare time in my garden – I am in the process of planting vegetables for the next season.