Maninder Kaur Dwivedi IAS given extension as Additional Secretary- Dept of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Ms. Maninder Kaur Dwivedi IAS (Chhattisgarh 1995) presently Additional Secretary-
Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers
Welfare has been given extension for a period of two years beyond 31 .08.2026 i.e. up to 31 .08.2028.
Additional Secretary – Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
The position of Additional Secretary in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is one of the senior-most administrative roles in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The officer holding this position plays a vital role in policy formulation, implementation of agricultural schemes, coordination with state governments, and strengthening India’s agricultural ecosystem.
An Additional Secretary is generally a senior officer of the Indian Administrative Service with extensive experience in governance, rural development, finance, or agricultural administration. The officer assists the Secretary of the department in supervising major divisions and ensuring effective execution of government programmes aimed at farmers’ welfare and agricultural growth.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is responsible for promoting sustainable agriculture, improving farm productivity, enhancing farmers’ income, and ensuring food security across the country. The Additional Secretary oversees key initiatives related to crop production, agricultural extension, mechanization, digital agriculture, irrigation coordination, and implementation of flagship schemes.
One of the major responsibilities of the Additional Secretary includes monitoring centrally sponsored programmes such as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), crop insurance initiatives, soil health management programmes, and agricultural technology missions. The officer also coordinates with research institutions, agricultural universities, and policy bodies to improve innovation and efficiency in the agricultural sector.
The role demands close coordination with multiple ministries, including rural development, water resources, food processing, commerce, and finance. Since agriculture is a state subject under the Indian Constitution, the Additional Secretary also works extensively with state governments to ensure effective implementation of national agricultural policies.
In recent years, the department has increasingly focused on digital agriculture, climate-resilient farming, natural farming, and agri-tech innovations. The Additional Secretary plays an important role in integrating technology into agriculture through digital platforms, farmer databases, precision farming techniques, and online agricultural services.
The officer is also involved in policy discussions concerning agricultural exports, food supply chains, market reforms, and farmer welfare measures. During periods of crop distress, natural disasters, or price fluctuations, the department works closely with stakeholders to provide timely interventions and support mechanisms for farmers.
Administrative leadership, policy expertise, and strategic planning are essential for the position. The Additional Secretary often represents the department in inter-ministerial meetings, parliamentary committees, and national-level reviews concerning agricultural development and rural economy.
As agriculture remains the backbone of India’s economy and supports millions of livelihoods, the role of the Additional Secretary in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare carries immense significance. Decisions taken at this level directly influence agricultural productivity, rural prosperity, and national food security. Appointments and transfers related to such senior positions frequently appear in Indian Bureaucracy Transfers News, Indian Bureaucracy Appointments, and Latest Indian Bureaucracy News.
For regular updates on senior bureaucratic appointments, governance developments, and Top Indian Bureaucracy News, readers often follow IndianBureaucracy.com
Indian Bureaucracy News wishes Ms. Maninder Kaur Dwivedi the very best.