Pawanexh Kohli, CEO & Chief Advisor, National Centre for Cold-Chain Development (NCCD), Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Government of India has bagged the prestigious Agribusiness Leadership Award 2014.

NCCD promotes and develop integrated cold chain in India for perishable agriculture and horticulture produce. The agency has brought about a paradigm shift in the way this problem is looked at and is leading a series of reforms to help millions of farmers across the country. NCCD was recognized for this award for its leadership role in the development of agribusiness through cold chain infrastructure.

This award was to NCCD was announced at the 7th Agriculture Leadership Summit, instituted by Agriculture Today, recognises the leadership roles played by individuals and institutions which are positively impacting lives of farmers and rural masses. The awards committee is chaired by known other than the father of India’s Green Revolution, Dr. M.S. Swaminathan.

Mr Kohli expressed his pleasure on getting accolades and said, “I have been given a toe hold in the pages of history and hope to leave a prominent mark. But I know this, that I have been marked for life.”

Mr Kohli is one of those rare veterans who moved from private enterprise into public service. Known to be passionate supporter of green technologies and always keen to contribute to make India future ready, his expertise extends to business strategy and supply chain management; Cold-chain Solutions, Integrated services; Environmental safe guards, Infrastructure planning, Energy saving and hybrid options; Shipping and International Transportation (over 25 years); maritime IT; Thermal energy storage. He has held various positions at big groups including Arshiya, Gati, ACME, Dole Food Company, Wilhelmsmen Ship Management. He is a graduate of TS Rajendra and is a Master Mariner (Business & Law, Nautical Sciences, Logistics Management) from LBS, College of Advanced Maritime Studies & Research.

“I have a dream and I have begun to walk towards realizing it. Such recognitions help to motivate me and others who contribute to NCCD,” Mr Kohli added.