Pratikshya Kandel is a recent addition to the One Basin CRC research team, where she is now based out of our Mildura Hub. Pratikshya is a Research Fellow (Agricultural Economics, Education, and Extension) and is working on our Digital Irrigation Advisory Systems and Digital Irrigated Agriculture Workforce Futures projects.

Can you tell us a little about your background, and what led you to your field of study?

I am a Research Fellow (Agricultural Economics, Education, and Extension) at the University of Melbourne, based at the Mallee Regional Innovation Centre in Mildura, Victoria, contributing to two One Basin CRC projects focusing on digital literacy and advisory systems in irrigated agriculture. I started my position as a Research Fellow on 1 September 2025. I completed my PhD at the Department of Agriculture and Resource Economics, University of Western Australia. I bring over a decade of applied research experience in agro-ecological systems working in intergovernmental and academic institutions in Australia and South Asia.

My interest in agricultural and resource economics comes from a curiosity about how we can balance food production with environmental sustainability while also supporting economic growth. This field allows me to combine economic analysis with real-world challenges, providing evidence-based insights that help farmers, policymakers and communities make decisions about land, water and resources under changing climatic and market conditions. The Mallee region, with its dynamic farming systems and communities, provides an ideal setting to apply this knowledge. It offers a great opportunity to work closely with growers and industries who are adapting to climate variability and technological change. 

What is your research about?

I am involved in two One Basin CRC projects related to digital literacy and advisory systems in irrigated agriculture.

The first project focuses on strengthening agricultural extension and advisory systems to better support digital agriculture. It focuses on improving coordination between advisors, building stronger networks across industries, and trialling advisory models tailored to farmers’ needs for adopting digital technologies in irrigated agriculture. 

The second project focuses on building digital literacy, equipping farmers and advisors with the skills and confidence to use digital tools effectively. It identifies education and training needs, defines practical digital literacy in irrigated agriculture, and tests hands-on learning approaches on Smart Farms. The outcome will be a practical education framework that helps the agricultural workforce stay ahead as technology evolves.

As a Research Fellow, I evaluate the economic and social impacts of both projects through social benefit-cost analyses and economic modelling, assessing the value of investing in a digitally literate agricultural workforce and improved advisory and education models.

What impact do you hope your research will have?

The research will show how building a digitally literate agricultural workforce and improving advisory services can deliver real value to growers. By evaluating new extension models and education frameworks, it will provide evidence on their economic, social, and environmental benefits. This will help ensure advisory services are well-coordinated, commercially sustainable, and tailored to farmers’ needs, supporting greater adoption of digital irrigation technologies.  Building digital literacy among farmers can improve the uptake of new technologies, which increases productivity, reduces input costs, and enhances water-use efficiency.

What motivates you most about the work you’re doing?

I am motivated by the opportunity to generate evidence-based insights that directly support growers, advisers and the wider agricultural industry in the Basin. What drives me most is conducting research that accelerates the adoption of digital irrigation technologies, develops practical education frameworks for digital literacy, and strengthens advisory services- ultimately enhancing productivity, resilience, and sustainability in farming systems.

Where did you live previously? How are you finding life in Mildura?

Before moving to Mildura, I lived in Perth, where I completed my PhD and worked at the University of Western Australia. I relocated with my family in September and have been enjoying life here, particularly the close proximity to everything we need for daily life, less traffic, and the warm, helpful community. The beautiful landscapes and proximity to farming activities make it an interesting place to work and live, especially for someone passionate about agricultural research.

Pratikshya on her first day of work at the Mallee Regional Innovation Centre, the location of the One Basin CRC Mildura Hub.

When you’re not working on your research, how do you like to spend your time?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, as I have a husband and two daughters (8 years and 18 months). We love exploring the outdoors, walking to the park, or visiting local markets. I also enjoy doing yoga, reading books and watching movies.

What is a book, movie, or album that you love and would recommend to anyone?

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma is one of my favourite reads. It is an inspiring story about prioritising what truly matters, achieving inner peace, and living a life of purpose and joy.