Dr. N Vijaya Lakshmi, a highly efficient IAS officer in Bihar, has had a distinguished career spanning over 27 years, holding numerous key positions in the state. During her tenure as DM of Nawada, she initiated significant reforms focused on the abolition of child labor, child marriage, and the implementation of child rights. Her exemplary work earned her recognition from Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi and the affectionate moniker “N (Nawada) Vijay Lakshmi” from the people she served.
As Secretary of Agriculture from 2011 to 2013, Dr. Lakshmi led the department to record-breaking achievements in paddy and wheat production, securing the Krishi Karman Awards for Bihar for two consecutive years. Under her leadership, Bihar also set a world record in potato production. Additionally, she served in the Animal Husbandry department for four years, where she implemented numerous reforms.
Dr. Lakshmi has now been appointed as the Principal Secretary of the Animal and Fisheries Resources Department and the Managing Director of COMFED (Bihar State Milk Co-Operative Federation), marking another significant chapter in her illustrious career.
Dr. Lakshmi, originally from Andhra Pradesh but now regarded as a true Bihari, has taken charge of revolutionizing dairy production in Bihar while ensuring the best for cattle farmers. She has already launched programs providing door-to-door health services for cattle. Under her leadership, COMFED’s brand, Sudha, is also making strides toward becoming a national brand.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, the officer, who is also a passionate Bharatnatyam dancer, shares her vision for cattle and farmer welfare in the state.
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AWARDED FOR E-NAM
Last year, the Digital India Jury recognized an initiative by the Department of Agriculture & Farmer Welfare, Bihar, titled E-NAM (Electronic National Agri Market), with an award from the President of India. In an interview with Indian Masterminds, Dr. N Vijaya Lakshmi, who was then serving as the Joint Secretary for the department, explained that E-NAM is a trading platform specifically developed for farmers.
During her tenure, over 1.7 crore farmers and 2.3 lakh traders registered on the platform. E-NAM allows farmers to auction their produce online directly, ensuring better prices. Dr. Lakshmi highlighted that, unlike other states, Bihar abolished the APMC Act in 2005. While mandis still exist, they are not governed by the Act, often resulting in lower prices for farmers. E-NAM not only provides fair pricing but also offers additional services such as fintech, logistics, and quality checking.
To date, 69 million metric tons of agricultural products worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore have been traded on this platform, making it the world’s largest agri-commodity spot market.
