Early Life & Education
Prof. Ramesh Chand is a distinguished agricultural economist and a key figure in shaping India’s economic policies. Born in a modest family, his academic brilliance paved the way for an illustrious career. He earned his Ph.D. in Economics from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, specializing in agricultural economics and policy.
Career & Contributions
1. Pioneering Research in Agriculture
Prof. Chand’s work has been instrumental in analyzing farm income, price policies, and rural livelihoods. His research provided critical insights into minimum support prices (MSP), crop diversification, and sustainable farming practices.
2. Leadership at NITI Aayog
As a full-time member of NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) since 2017, he has been a driving force behind key policy recommendations, including:
- Doubling Farmers’ Income (DFI) by 2022 – A visionary roadmap for agrarian prosperity.
- Agricultural Market Reforms – Advocating for e-NAM (National Agricultural Market) to empower farmers.
- Sustainable Farming & Climate Resilience – Promoting zero-budget natural farming (ZBNF) and crop diversification.
3. Academic & Institutional Roles
- Former Director at the National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (NIAP).
- Served as Professor at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- Authored 100+ research papers and policy documents on agriculture and rural economy.
Awards & Recognitions
- Padma Shri (2021) – India’s fourth-highest civilian honor for his contributions to agriculture.
- ICAR’s Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award – For outstanding research in agricultural economics.
- Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS).
Vision for India’s Future
Prof. Chand emphasizes:
✅ Technology-driven farming (AI, drones, precision agriculture).
✅ Reducing post-harvest losses through better storage & supply chains.
✅ Balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
Why Prof. Ramesh Chand Matters ?
His data-driven, farmer-centric approach has redefined India’s agricultural policies. From advocating fair MSP mechanisms to pushing for private sector investments in agri-tech, his work continues to shape India’s journey toward an Atmanirbhar Krishi (self-reliant agriculture).
Final Thought:
“Agriculture is not just about food security; it’s about livelihood security, economic growth, and sustainability.” – Prof. Ramesh Chand