Meet Our Leaders
Dr. R S Paroda is an Indian agricultural scientist. He was the former Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Government of India. He was the general president of the Indian Science Congress Association during 2000-2001 and the president of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) from 1998 to 2000. He was elected as the first chairman of the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR), FAO, Rome from 1998 to 2001. He served as an executive secretary of the Asia Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI) based at FAO Regional Office, Bangkok since 1992. He also served as the chairman, board of trustees, ICRISAT, Hyderabad, member of IRRI Board, Los Banos, Philippines and was a member of Advisory Council of Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), Canberra, and the Commonwealth Agriculture Bureau International (CABI), London.
Dr. R S Paroda
President
Ex-Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR
Dr. Jat, a globally respected figure in sustainable agriculture, brings over 25 years of rich experience in agronomy, climate-resilient farming, and conservation agriculture. His appointment is expected to catalyze a new era of innovation, sustainability, and farmer-first research within ICAR and the broader agricultural ecosystem. An alumnus of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, Dr. Jat holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy with a specialization in soil moisture conservation in rain-fed pearl millet—a critical area for food security in arid regions. His pioneering research has shaped sustainable intensification strategies for smallholder farmers across Asia and Africa, contributing to global efforts on food system resilience.
Dr. M L Jat
Vice President
Ex-Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR
Dr. Praveen Malik is a distinguished veterinary scientist, researcher and senior administrator with over three decades of experience in animal health, veterinary research, biosecurity, disease management and livestock-sector policy. He served as Director of the CCS National Institute of Animal Health and as Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Government of India, where he contributed to national animal-health programmes, veterinary policy and disease preparedness. He has also been associated with national and international expert bodies including WOAH, FAO and WHO. Currently, he serves as Principal Scientist at ICAR Headquarters and Chief Executive Officer of Agrinnovate India Limited, where he is leading efforts to translate ICAR's research and innovations into commercially viable technologies through partnerships with industry, startups and other stakeholders
Dr. Praveen Malik
Executive Secretary
CEO, Agrinnovate India Limited
Dr. Joykrushna Jena is a distinguished fisheries scientist and senior administrator with over three decades of experience in freshwater aquaculture, fish genetics, aquatic animal health, fisheries research and management. He is presently serving as Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science) at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi. Earlier, he served as Director of ICAR–National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow, and held various scientific positions at ICAR–Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar. He has led several national research and surveillance programmes, published more than 300 scientific papers and received prestigious honours including the Rafi Ahmad Kidwai Award and ICAR Awards for Team Research. He has also served as President of the Asian Fisheries Society. His extensive experience in aquaculture, conservation genetics, aquatic animal health and fisheries policy has made significant contributions to the development of India's fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Dr. Joykrushna Jena
Member
DDG (Fisheries Science), ICAR
Dr. A. K. Nayak is a senior agricultural scientist and a distinguished administrator of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), presently serving as Deputy Director General (Natural Resource Management). He provides leadership to ICAR's programmes on sustainable management of natural resources, soil and water conservation, climate-resilient agriculture, ecological and sustainable farming systems, weed management and environmental sustainability. He has been actively associated with national initiatives on climate adaptation, regenerative and nature-based agriculture, millet promotion and sustainable resource management. Through his scientific and administrative leadership, Dr. Nayak has contributed to strengthening research and technology interventions aimed at ensuring sustainable agricultural development, climate resilience and long-term natural-resource security in India
Dr. A K Nayak
Member
Deputy Director General (Natural Resource Management), ICAR
Dr. R. R. Burman is a distinguished agricultural extension scientist and senior administrator of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), presently serving as Assistant Director General (Agricultural Extension). With extensive experience in agricultural extension, technology dissemination, farmer advisory services and ICT-enabled extension, he has made significant contributions towards strengthening the interface between agricultural research and farming communities. His professional work encompasses innovative extension approaches, the strengthening of Krishi Vigyan Kendras, digital and precision agriculture, rural youth entrepreneurship and capacity building of farmers and extension personnel. He has also contributed extensively to research and publications on agricultural extension systems and farmer empowerment.
Dr. R R Burman
Treasurer
Assistant Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR
Sh. Kumar Rajesh is a senior administrative officer of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), presently serving as Director (General Administration & Coordination) at ICAR Headquarters, New Delhi. He has extensive experience in administration, public procurement, Government e-Marketplace (GeM), institutional coordination and government financial and procurement procedures. Prior to his present assignment, he served as Chief Administrative Officer at ICAR–Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE), Bhopal, and was associated with capacity-building programmes as a master trainer in procurement procedures, GeM and World Bank procurement guidelines. In his present role as Director (GAC), he contributes to strengthening administrative coordination, procedural efficiency and effective governance across the ICAR system
