Bhubaneswar; Ace Mandarin, Shri Prem Chandra Chaudhary officially assumed the office of Commissioner-cum-Secretary for the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (FARD) Department on 6 February 2026. This transition follows his formal appointment to the post on 5 February, marking a strategic shift in the leadership of Odisha’s vital primary sectors.
Shri Chaudhary, an officer of significant administrative standing, and known as an honest, hard working mandarin was previously serving as the Director of Textiles. Upon his promotion to the rank of Commissioner, the state government entrusted him with the FARD portfolio to leverage his extensive experience in rural and agricultural governance.
The appointment is seen as a tactical move given Shri Chaudhary’s long and successful tenure in the Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Department, where he served as the Director of Agriculture and Food Production. His deep understanding of the challenges faced by farmers and his proactive approach to the allied sectors are expected to bring a fresh perspective to livestock management and fisheries. His primary objective is to unlock the massive economic potential of Odisha’s coastline, which remains a cornerstone for the state’s future growth.
Under the new leadership, the Department of Fisheries and ARD is set to prioritize the development of marine fisheries. While Odisha has significant natural resources, the aim is now to implement large-scale modernization efforts that mirror the success of other leading coastal states. Shri Chaudhary has already held high-level meetings with department officials to discuss a comprehensive roadmap. This plan is designed not only to achieve self-sufficiency in fish and animal products but also to catalyze massive employment opportunities across the state’s rural and coastal belts.
A critical focus of the new Secretary’s agenda is the growth, health and safety of the poultry sector. Several experts have expressed concern regarding the over-medication of broiler chickens, which can lead to antibiotic residues in food. To address this, a new strategy is needed to be developed to ensure that chicken is produced and consumed at permissive levels. This involves implementing strict withdrawal periods for medications and shifting toward biosecurity measures that reduce the need for chemical interventions. This initiative is aimed at protecting public health while maintaining the economic viability of poultry farming.
As Shri Chaudhary begins his tenure, the focus remains on transforming the FARD department into a more efficient and a major employment generating sector of the State. By balancing aggressive production targets with safety standards and modern infrastructure, the department seeks to make Odisha a leader in the fisheries and animal husbandry landscape of India.