Bhubaneswar: Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee’s tenure in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment marked one of the most impactful phases in Odisha’s agricultural journey, defined by innovation, sustainability and a strong science-led approach to governance. A senior IAS officer with deep domain expertise, Dr. Padhee brought together academic rigour, field-level sensitivity and administrative clarity to reposition Odisha as a nationally and globally recognised model in agriculture.
As Agriculture Secretary and later Additional Chief Secretary of the Department, Dr. Padhee spearheaded a transformative shift towards regenerative and climate-resilient agriculture. His leadership gave Odisha a distinct identity through pioneering initiatives such as the Odisha Millet Mission, which has since been widely acknowledged as a global best practice in promoting nutritious, climate-smart crops while enhancing farmer livelihoods. The mission not only revived millets in traditional farming systems but also placed Odisha at the centre of international conversations on sustainable food systems.
Another landmark intervention under his stewardship was the comprehensive rice fallow management programme, which introduced a structured, science-backed framework to bring millions of hectares of fallow land back into productive use. The programme reflected Dr. Padhee’s emphasis on evidence-based policymaking and regenerative practices that balance productivity with ecological sustainability.
In his additional role as Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration, Puri, Dr. Padhee successfully bridged agriculture with culture and tradition through the “Amruta Anna” project. The initiative ensured the supply of organic rice for the preparation of Kotha Bhoga for the deities, creating a powerful linkage between farmers, organic cultivation and one of Odisha’s most revered religious institutions.
The Department’s renewed focus on forgotten foods, indigenous rice varieties and traditional knowledge systems further strengthened Odisha’s reputation as a leader in sustainable agriculture. These efforts, rooted firmly in scientific research, earned widespread appreciation and multiple accolades from national institutions, including the Government of India and NITI Aayog.
A farm scientist by training, Dr. Padhee holds a Ph.D. from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi. His academic background played a crucial role in shaping policy interventions that were both technically sound and farmer-centric. During his tenure, the Department also introduced several first-of-their-kind institutional innovations, including the Climate Resilience Cell, the Gender Responsive Cell and the Krushi Samiksha Kendra, a command-and-control centre designed for data-driven decision-making and real-time monitoring.
Under his leadership, Odisha’s agriculture sector also attracted global attention. Internationally renowned figures such as Microsoft Co-founder Bill Gates and Nobel Laureate Prof. Michael Kremer of the University of Chicago engaged with and appreciated Odisha’s unique agricultural programmes, highlighting the State’s growing global footprint.
Dr. Padhee personally steered the implementation of key flagship programmes of the new Government, including Samruddha Krushak Yojana, Balabhadra Jaivik Chasa Mission and Krushi Vidyanidhi Yojana, ensuring their smooth rollout and effective on-ground impact. His leadership style—marked by extensive field visits, regular interactions with farmers and close engagement with departmental teams—helped translate policy vision into tangible outcomes.
As the first agriculture graduate from Odisha to join the Indian Administrative Service, Dr. Padhee also made notable contributions to the growth and development of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), further strengthening the State’s agricultural knowledge ecosystem.
On Thursday, Dr. Padhee was transferred and posted as Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department. He, however, continues to hold additional charge as Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration, Puri. While the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment will miss his visionary leadership and transformative contributions, his legacy of innovation, sustainability and farmer-centric governance will continue to shape Odisha’s agricultural future.
