New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare held a dignified farewell ceremony on Saturday to honor the retirement of Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, the outgoing Secretary of the Ministry. The event also marked the formal welcome of the newly appointed Agriculture Secretary, Mr. Atish Chandra.
Union Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan Honors Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, praised Dr. Chaturvedi’s exemplary administrative tenure, describing it as long, dedicated, and impactful. He highlighted Dr. Chaturvedi’s ability to maintain a balanced approach even during challenging circumstances, providing new direction and momentum to the Ministry.
Mr. Chouhan emphasized Dr. Chaturvedi’s leadership, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork, noting that his tenure enhanced transparency and efficiency within the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.

Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi’s Contributions Acknowledged
The Union Minister described Dr. Chaturvedi’s tenure as “exemplary,” highlighting his consistent commitment, foresight, and focus on time-bound implementation of Ministry initiatives. Under his leadership, policy execution and coordination within the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare were significantly strengthened.
During the ceremony, Mr. Chouhan presented Dr. Chaturvedi with a memento and a bouquet, acknowledging his invaluable contributions to the agricultural sector and farmers across India.
Mr. Atish Chandra Welcomed as New Agriculture Secretary
Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan also formally welcomed Mr. Atish Chandra as the new Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. The Union Minister expressed confidence that under Mr. Chandra’s leadership, the Ministry would achieve even more effective results in advancing farmers’ interests. He encouraged Mr. Chandra to continue building upon the foundation laid by his predecessor and further strengthen agricultural growth and rural development initiatives.

Dignitaries and Senior Officials Present
The farewell and welcome ceremony was attended by key officials, including:
- Mr. Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development
- Dr. M.L. Jat, Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- Senior officers and staff members of the Ministry
The gathering expressed appreciation and gratitude for Dr. Chaturvedi’s dedicated service and extended best wishes to Mr. Atish Chandra for his new role.
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