USSEC's Soy Excellence Center: Empowering India's Agricultural Workforce

In the bustling metropolis of India, where the vibrant pulse of innovation meets the age-old traditions of agriculture, Kevin Roepke and Vijay Anand stand at the forefront of a transformative endeavor. As the Regional Director of South Asia & Sub-Saharan Africa at the U.S Soybean Export Council (USSEC), Roepke’s vision intertwines technology and agriculture seamlessly, recognising the pivotal role technology plays in optimising efficiencies across various sectors. Anand, the Lead of the Soy Excellence Center in India, envisions a future where technology empowers farmers and industry professionals to meet the growing demand for food while preserving our natural resources and mitigating climate change.

Their journey began with a deep understanding of the transformative power of technology, spanning industries like manufacturing, defense, aerospace and agriculture. From the onset, they recognised agriculture's embrace of technology to increase productivity, mirroring the advancements since the advent of the plow.

Pioneering a New Era of Workforce Development

With the launch of the USSEC's Soy Excellence Center (SEC) in India, Roepke and Anand are paving the way for a new era of workforce development. Through innovative training programmes, they aim to equip professionals with the skills needed to navigate the evolving landscape of agriculture.

Their approach is holistic yet practical, leveraging technology to offer on-demand courses and live sessions with subject matter experts. This blended learning model ensures participants can self-pace while receiving guidance from industry leaders.

When it comes to talent acquisition, they prioritise collaboration with existing stakeholders and networks. By partnering with industry leaders and leveraging their credibility, they create a pipeline for recruitment, attracting entry-level and mid-career professionals interested in sectors like poultry, aquaculture, and human utilisation.

Their dedication extends beyond education; it's about fostering a culture of growth and opportunity within the workforce. With the launch of the USSEC Development Academy, they aim to provide world-class training to their own team, ensuring they meet the highest standards of performance.

Prioritising Talent Acquisition and Retention

As they navigate the challenges of talent acquisition and retention, Roepke and Anand remain steadfast in their commitment to employee well-being and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). They understand that a skilled and engaged workforce is essential for driving innovation and sustainability in agriculture.

Commitment to Inclusivity & Well-being

From multilingual training materials to addressing cultural differences, they strive to create an inclusive learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of their participants. Roepke emphasises the importance of adapting to regional preferences, foreseeing the need for courses in languages like Hindi to cater to audiences in North India.

As Roepke succinctly puts it, "Technology has a tremendous role to play in optimising efficiencies across sectors, and agriculture is no exception. By embracing technology and fostering a culture of continuous learning, we can drive innovation and sustainability in agriculture, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.”

Anand echoes this sentiment, emphasising the importance of staying abreast of industry trends and innovations. "In agriculture, what worked ten years ago may not work today. With the industry's expansion and focus on efficiency, new skills are essential to meet the evolving demands. Through our training programmes, we aim to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this dynamic landscape."

Their collaborative efforts and forward-thinking approach serve as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for agriculture in India and beyond.