In a major recognition of his contributions to food security and rural empowerment, Deepanshu Manchanda, founder and managing director of DSM Fresh Foods Ltd (ZappFresh), has been formally appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The appointment was conferred by the IIMSAM (Intergovernmental Institution for the Use of Micro-Algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition), an observer organization to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The role highlights Mr. Manchanda’s decade-long commitment to building transparent food systems and strengthening the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across India.
Since founding ZappFresh in 2015, Manchanda has prioritized food safety and traceability as pillars of economic resilience. A standout achievement cited in the appointment is his collaboration with Shared Wealth Ventures LLC (a subsidiary of Heifer Project International). This initiative established a backyard poultry sourcing model across Odisha, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh, successfully linking women-led farming households directly to organized markets. By implementing premium-based procurement and strict biosecurity, the model has turned subsistence farming into a sustainable commercial engine for thousands of women.
As Goodwill Ambassador, Manchanda will focus his advocacy on three critical pillars:
- SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Promoting innovative, sustainable nutrition solutions.
- SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being): Raising global awareness for nutrition interventions to combat malnutrition.
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Fostering collaboration between institutional stakeholders and local communities.
“I am honoured by IIMSAM’s recognition,” said Deepanshu Manchanda. “It reflects the journey we began at ZappFresh to build transparent food systems that support smallholder farmers and improve nutrition outcomes. I am eager to support collaborative progress toward Zero Hunger and stronger global partnerships.”
This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the Indian agritech sector, signaling the growing importance of private-sector leadership in achieving global humanitarian milestones.