Chetna U S, Gender Studies, Best Innovator Award

Miss. Chetna U S: Senior Research Fellow at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India

Chetna U S is a dynamic and ambitious agricultural professional with a diverse set of skills and interests. With a strong foundation in agricultural extension education, she has been recognized for her leadership and contributions to the agricultural community. Currently pursuing an M.Sc. in Agricultural Extension Education at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, she balances academic excellence with a passion for community service and extracurricular involvement. As the Deputy Chairman of the All India Agricultural Students Association (SACC), she is helping to shape policy and advocate for the needs of agricultural students across India. Alongside her academic and professional pursuits, Chetna is also deeply engaged in cultural activities, sports, and social impact initiatives, making her a well-rounded individual committed to both personal growth and societal betterment.

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ORCID Profile

Education

Chetna’s educational journey is marked by both academic excellence and a strong commitment to the agricultural sector. She earned her B.Sc. (Hons) in Horticulture from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) in 2022, graduating with an impressive 82.8%. Building on this foundation, she is now pursuing an M.Sc. in Agricultural Extension Education at TNAU, where she maintains a high academic standard with a 92% score. Her educational focus combines agricultural practices with social issues such as rural development, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Chetna’s education is enriched by hands-on experience gained through various projects and internships, enabling her to apply her theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Research Focus

Chetna’s research focus is centered around bridging the gap between agricultural development and social empowerment. One of her primary research areas is the empowerment of women through entrepreneurial training, with a focus on understanding the factors that influence entrepreneurial behavior in rural areas, particularly under the Tamil Nadu State Rural Livelihood Mission (TNSRLM). Additionally, she is investigating the role of collectivization in improving the performance of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), exploring how cooperation among farmers can lead to better outcomes in production, marketing, and income generation. Another key area of her research aligns corporate social responsibility (CSR) with the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which focuses on creating sustainable and resilient cities and communities. Through her research, Chetna aims to promote inclusive and sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both farmers and the wider community.

Experience

Chetna’s professional experience reflects her leadership abilities and passion for agricultural development. As the Sports Secretary of her university, she not only contributed to promoting physical fitness among students but also earned a bronze medal in the All India Inter Agri Sports Meet. Her leadership skills were further showcased in her role as the Deputy Chairman of the All India Agricultural Students Association (SACC), where she was instrumental in advocating for student interests and organizing various agricultural events. Chetna has also gained valuable industry experience through her internship at Theneera and Podaran Beverage Industry, where she worked on understanding the post-harvest handling and processing of agricultural products. This hands-on experience has equipped her with the practical knowledge to complement her academic pursuits. Additionally, Chetna has served as the official compère for prestigious events such as the Agricultural Graduate Student Conference (AGSC), showcasing her excellent communication skills and stage presence.

Research Timeline & Activities

Chetna’s research trajectory is built on a structured timeline, with key milestones that reflect her academic and professional aspirations. Her research on women’s empowerment through entrepreneurial training under TNSRLM is ongoing, and she expects to complete this project by 2025. She is also working on assessing the role of collectivization in enhancing the performance of Farmer Producer Organizations, with findings expected to be shared in upcoming academic conferences. In 2024, Chetna began her research on the alignment of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices with SDG 11, exploring how businesses can contribute to sustainable cities and communities. As part of her academic journey, she has participated in several conferences, presenting her research findings and contributing to discussions on sustainable agriculture, rural development, and social responsibility.

Awards & Honors

Chetna has received several accolades in recognition of her academic achievements, leadership roles, and extracurricular contributions. She was honored with a bronze medal in the All India Inter Agri Sports Meet for her athletic prowess and leadership as the Sports Secretary of her university. Her leadership and initiative were further acknowledged when she was appointed Deputy Chairman of the All India Agricultural Students Association (SACC) in 2024. In addition to her achievements in sports and leadership, Chetna has been recognized for her cultural talents, particularly her stage presence and vocal skills, which she has showcased in various performances over the years. These awards and honors reflect her multifaceted abilities and her dedication to excelling in all areas of life.

Top Noted Publication

One of Chetna’s most notable publications is her research on the effectiveness of customized entrepreneurial training for rural women, conducted under the Tamil Nadu State Rural Livelihood Mission (TNSRLM). This publication delves into the factors influencing entrepreneurial behavior and the impact of such training on the empowerment of women in rural areas. Her work has been presented at several conferences, including the Sustainability Conclave on Productivity and Green Growth, where it received positive feedback for its practical insights and actionable recommendations. This publication is a testament to her commitment to advancing research in agricultural extension and rural development, and it continues to inform ongoing discussions on social entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Chetna’s work is contributing to creating pathways for more inclusive and sustainable growth in rural communities, particularly for women.

  • Prospects and Challenges of Women Entrepreneurship: A Bibliometric and TCCM (Theory, Context, Characteristics, and Methodology) Analysis
    Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research (2025)
    DOI: 10.1007/s40497-025-00462-3
    Contributors: Chetna U. S; M. Shanthasheela; R. Manimekalai; D. Murugananthi; V. Karthick

  • Ethnomedicine and Women Agripreneurs: Exploring the Dynamics of Entry and Growth
    Plant Science Today (2025)
    DOI: 10.14719/pst.7386
    Contributors: U S Chetna; M. Shanthasheela; R. Manimekalai; D. Murugananthi; V. Karthick

Strength for the Best Innovator Award

  1. Leadership in Agricultural Initiatives – Chetna has exhibited exceptional leadership by serving as the Deputy Chairman of the All India Agricultural Students Association (SACC), where she has been instrumental in policy advocacy, organizing national conferences, and mentoring student leaders. Her tenure as Sports Secretary further demonstrates her ability to inspire teams, coordinate large-scale events, and achieve tangible results, such as winning a bronze medal at the All India Inter Agri Sports Meet.

  2. Women Empowerment & Social Innovation – Through her research on women entrepreneurship and agripreneurship under the Tamil Nadu State Rural Livelihood Mission (TNSRLM), Chetna has created innovative frameworks for rural women’s skill development, enterprise building, and income generation. Her work addresses social challenges while promoting self-reliance and economic empowerment, making a real impact on rural communities.

  3. Research Excellence & Publication Impact – Chetna’s scholarly contributions reflect innovation in both methodology and subject matter. Her publications, such as the bibliometric and TCCM analysis on women entrepreneurship and her study on ethnomedicine and women agripreneurs, offer fresh perspectives and actionable insights for academics, policymakers, and practitioners in agriculture and social development. These publications also demonstrate her ability to combine theoretical frameworks with real-world applications.

  4. Innovative Extension Practices – She has implemented innovative approaches in agricultural extension by integrating corporate social responsibility initiatives with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11) and assessing collectivization models for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). These initiatives demonstrate her ability to design and execute solutions that improve productivity, sustainability, and community welfare.

  5. Cultural & Extracurricular Innovation – Beyond academics and research, Chetna leverages her artistic and cultural talents to innovate in outreach and engagement. Her skills in music, dance, painting, and public speaking have enhanced her effectiveness as a compère and presenter in major conferences, while her involvement in sports and stage performances showcases her creativity, discipline, and ability to inspire others in diverse settings.