Pramod Kumar Meherda IAS extension as Additional Secretary- Dept of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Shri Pramod Kumar Meherda IAS (Odisha 1997) presently Additional Secretary- Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has been given extension in central deputation tenure for a period of two years beyond 02.09.2026 i.e. up to 02.09.2028 by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Pramod Kumar Meherda IAS – A Distinguished Career Bridging Medicine, Administration and Agricultural Policy
Shri Pramod Kumar Meherda, an accomplished officer of the Indian Administrative Service, brings a rare and valuable combination of medical education and administrative expertise to public service. A qualified M.B.B.S. graduate from SMS Medical College, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, he began his professional journey with a strong foundation in medicine before transitioning into the civil services. This blend of medical knowledge and governance experience has enabled him to contribute effectively across sectors such as health, agriculture, rural development and public administration.
Over the years, Shri Meherda has built an extensive career spanning more than two decades, holding several key positions both at the state and central levels. His administrative journey reflects steady progression through field-level assignments, departmental leadership and policy-making roles, showcasing his adaptability and deep understanding of governance structures.
At the Government of India level, Shri Meherda has served as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, where he has been associated with critical areas related to agriculture, cooperation and farmer-centric policies. His tenure, beginning in November 2022, reflects his deep engagement with national-level agricultural strategies and programme implementation. Prior to this, he served as Managing Director (Joint Secretary equivalent) of the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), where he played an important role in strengthening food security initiatives and agricultural productivity across the country.
His experience at the state level, particularly in Odisha, has been equally extensive and impactful. He served as Secretary to the Governor of Odisha, contributing to administrative coordination and governance at the highest constitutional level in the state. He also held the position of Commissioner & Secretary in the Commerce & Transport Department, where he was involved in policy and administrative oversight of transport and port-related activities.
A significant phase of his career was his tenure as Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Odisha, where his medical background proved particularly valuable. During this period, he was associated with health administration, policy implementation and strengthening public health systems. Earlier, he also served as Mission Director of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and Mission Director of the AIDS Control Cell, where he contributed to rural healthcare delivery and disease control initiatives.
Shri Meherda has also made notable contributions in the agriculture sector at the state level, serving as Commissioner-cum-Director, Agriculture and Food Production Department, Odisha. In this role, he was closely involved in agricultural planning, farmer support initiatives and the implementation of schemes aimed at improving productivity and sustainability.
His experience in district administration is equally rich, having served as District Collector and District Magistrate in multiple districts including Mayurbhanj, Jagatsinghpur and Rayagada. These field postings provided him with hands-on experience in governance, land revenue management, disaster response and implementation of development programmes at the grassroots level. His tenure in these districts reflects a deep engagement with public service delivery and administrative leadership.
In addition, he served as Revenue Divisional Commissioner in the Land Revenue & Disaster Management Department, further strengthening his experience in regional administration and disaster management. His earlier assignments also include roles such as Project Director in the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) and Sub-Collector, where he worked closely with rural communities and development initiatives.
Throughout his career, Shri Meherda has demonstrated a consistent ability to handle diverse portfolios ranging from health and agriculture to transport, rural development and governance. His medical background, combined with extensive administrative experience, has enabled him to approach policy and implementation with both technical insight and practical understanding.
With a career marked by versatility, dedication and leadership across multiple sectors, Shri Pramod Kumar Meherda continues to contribute significantly to public administration and policy formulation. His journey reflects the evolving role of civil servants in addressing complex developmental challenges through informed decision-making and effective governance.
Indian Bureaucracy News wishes Shri Pramod Kumar Meherda the very best.