Geospatial Science Can Play a Key Role in Food Security and Climate Resilience - Dr. Mrinal Singha

 An interview with Dr. Mrinal Singha, Assam-based geospatial scientist and founder of EarthGrid Analytics

Mrinal Singha, a geospatial scientist from Bongaigaon, Assam, has emerged as a researcher working at the intersection of satellite remote sensing, agriculture, and environmental analysis. He completed his schooling at Birjhora Higher Secondary School, Bongaigaon, before pursuing higher studies in geospatial and Earth-observation sciences in India, Europe, and China.

Singha received advanced training at the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), a constituent of the Indian Space Research Organisation, and later pursued higher studies at the ITC, University of Twente, The Netherlands. He subsequently undertook advanced research at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where his work was linked to international programmes in crop monitoring and environmental analysis.

His research focuses on satellite-based crop monitoring and the application of geospatial technologies to understand agricultural systems in flood - and climate -vulnerable regions such as Assam and Northeast India. In addition to academic research, Singha has founded a Guwahati-based geospatial analytics initiative aimed at supporting sustainable environmental management and food security through applied satellite data and analytics.

In this interview, Dr. Mrinal Singha speaks about his research journey, the relevance of geospatial science for Assam, and the role of satellite-based analytics in addressing food security and climate resilience.

 

Q: Mrinal, you are known for your research in satellite-based crop monitoring. How would you describe your academic work?

Mrinal Singha: My work focuses on the use of satellite remote sensing and geospatial analysis to understand agricultural systems and environmental change. A significant part of my research has involved high-resolution rice mapping and crop monitoring, particularly in regions affected by floods and climate variability.

Q: Your research has been cited widely in the academic community. Why is this area of research important?

Mrinal Singha: Crop monitoring is central to food security. Accurate information on crop extent and condition helps researchers and policymakers understand production risks, climate impacts, and long-term sustainability. Satellite-based methods allow this to be done consistently over large areas.

Q: Why is Assam and Northeast India a challenging region for satellite-based agricultural monitoring?

Mrinal Singha: The region experiences persistent cloud cover during the monsoon, along with complex cropping patterns and frequent floods. These factors make traditional monitoring difficult. Radar satellite data allows us to overcome some of these challenges and improve monitoring accuracy.

Q: You have also worked with international research initiatives. How does regional research connect to global food security efforts?

Mrinal Singha: Food security is a global concern, and many monitoring systems rely on comparable data across regions. Research from places like Assam contributes to global assessments by improving methods and regional understanding, which can then be applied elsewhere.

Q: Recently, you founded a geospatial analytics company in Guwahati. What motivated this decision?

Mrinal Singha: While academic research is essential, I felt there was a gap between research outputs and their practical application. I founded EarthGrid Analytics in Guwahati to translate geospatial research into decision-support tools that can assist agriculture and environmental planning, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions.

Q: What is the focus of EarthGrid Analytics?

Mrinal Singha: The company applies satellite remote sensing, GIS, data analytics, artificial intelligence and field surveys to agriculture, environment, fisheries, and natural resource management. Its core objective is to support sustainable practices and help address food security challenges through evidence-based insights.

Q: How can geospatial analytics contribute to reducing food insecurity?

Mrinal Singha: Food insecurity is often linked to uncertainty. Geospatial analytics helps reduce that uncertainty by providing timely, objective information on crops and environmental conditions. This supports early assessments, better planning, and more targeted interventions.

Q: How do you see the role of local scientific initiatives in addressing regional challenges?

Mrinal Singha: Locally grounded initiatives are crucial because they understand regional realities. When combined with advanced technology, they can produce solutions that are both scientifically sound and practically relevant.

Q: What message would you give to young researchers from Assam?

Mrinal Singha: Regional challenges can lead to globally relevant research. Building strong technical skills while staying connected to local problems can create meaningful impact.