Bhubaneswar: In a pivotal move for Odisha’s primary sector, Shri Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav has officially assumed charge today as the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment. The appointment is being viewed with high expectations across the state’s farming community due to Shri Jadhav’s unique personal background and extensive administrative track record in rural governance.
Originally hailing from a prominent farming family, a 2007-batch Senior IAS Officer, Shri Jadhav brings an innate understanding of the challenges faced by those on the ground. This personal connection to the soil has earned him the nickname ‘Field Marshal’ among his peers, reflecting his reputation as a hardworking and honest mandarin who prioritizes direct field intervention over desk-bound administration.
His professional journey in Odisha has prepared him well for this role. Having served as the District Collector for Koraput and Angul, he has managed regions synonymous with diverse vegetable cultivation and intensive rice production. Furthermore, his tenure as the Revenue Divisional Commissioner of the Northern Division provided him with oversight of the state’s traditional Rice Bowl, offering him a bird’s-eye view of the logistical and economic frameworks of the agrarian economy.
Odisha remains a predominantly agrarian state, with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment currently managing at least 90 distinct programs designed to support and uplift over 80 lakh farmers. These initiatives range from seed distribution and irrigation support to direct financial assistance and crop insurance.
Upon taking charge, Shri Jadhav was greeted by senior officials. He immediately transitioned into a series of detailed discussions to review ongoing schemes and evaluate the potential for scaling up Odisha’s agricultural output. Observers note that his leadership comes at a time when the state is looking to modernize its horticulture and agriculture sectors through technology and better market linkages.
Shri Jadhav expressed a clear determination to tap into the state’s massive untapped potential, ensuring that government programs translate into tangible wealth for the farming community. His appointment signals a push toward field-centric governance, where policy is informed by the practical realities of the village level.