RiceTec announced the appointment of Duraiswami (D) Narain, Partner at AgVayā LLP, to the RiceTec Board of Directors. Based in Bengaluru, India, Narain brings nearly four decades of global experience in the food and agriculture sector, with leadership roles spanning India, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States.

A respected board leader, Narain has a proven track record of driving performance across both high-growth and turnaround environments. His deep expertise in seeds, crop protection, and sustainable farming practices will be instrumental as RiceTec continues to advance innovation in rice agriculture.

Narain’s career includes pivotal leadership positions at Bayer and Monsanto, where he drove strategic growth, led major integrations, and championed smallholder farming innovations. As President of Bayer South Asia, he oversaw operations across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, helping transform the region into one of the company’s fastest-growing businesses globally. In addition, as Head of Global Smallholder Farming for Bayer CropScience, Narain spearheaded new business models aimed at empowering smallholder farmers to improve incomes and livelihoods in developing economies through greater access to agronomic knowledge, products, services, and partnerships.

Narain holds a Master of Business Administration from Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, is a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, and earned his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Madras.

“I’m delighted to join RiceTec’s Board of Directors,” Narain said. “RiceTec’s commitment to innovation and sustainability mirrors my own, especially in advancing solutions for smallholder farmers. I’m eager to contribute my perspectives to help propel the company’s positive impact globally.”

“We are thrilled to welcome D to our Board of Directors,” Kuenker added. “As a former Global Treasurer and senior leader in smallholder markets for one of the world’s largest ag-chem and seed businesses, he brings a powerful combination of strategic financial and business leadership. His extensive knowledge of global markets, particularly India and Asia’s dynamic agricultural landscape, will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow and innovate across the region.”