Who Is IAS Shirsat Kapil Ashok? Bihar Officer Joins NDDB Board to Drive Dairy Sector Growth and Farmer Empowerment
The Central Government has nominated Shirsat Kapil Ashok, Secretary of the Department of Dairy, Fisheries, and Animal Resources, Government of Bihar, as a Director on the Board of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). His appointment is expected to strengthen coordination between state and national dairy initiatives, improve policy compliance, and accelerate the implementation of key schemes.
Administrative Background and Current Roles
A 2011‑batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, Shirsat Kapil Ashok currently serves as Co‑Chairman of COMFED, the state cooperative federation of Bihar. He also holds the position of Managing Director of the Bihar State Road Development Corporation. His inclusion on the NDDB Board is seen as a strategic move to align Bihar’s dairy sector with national priorities and to ensure that farmers benefit from modern practices and cooperative efficiency.
Strengthening Policy Coordination
His representation on the NDDB Board is expected to:
Enhance coordination between NDDB, COMFED, and the Bihar Department of Dairy, Fisheries, and Animal Resources
Ensure alignment with schemes of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Government of India
Improve the income and living standards of livestock farmers in Bihar through effective policy execution
Officials believe his administrative expertise will provide new direction for dairy sector growth at both state and national levels.
Driving Innovation and Farmer Empowerment
With his appointment, Shirsat Kapil Ashok is expected to:
Promote farmer‑centric empowerment initiatives
Introduce innovative approaches to cooperative development
Boost milk production and improve quality standards
Support adoption of modern technology and infrastructure in the dairy sector
His presence on the NDDB Board is regarded as a significant step toward sustainable and inclusive growth for dairy farmers, particularly in Bihar.
Significance of NDDB and Bihar’s Dairy Sector
The National Dairy Development Board has played a pivotal role in advancing India’s cooperative dairy movement since the White Revolution. Under NDDB’s guidance, Bihar’s dairy cooperatives have expanded milk production, enhanced processing capacity, and improved farmer incomes.
IAS Ashok’s nomination is expected to further bridge state‑level initiatives with national dairy policies, ensuring that Bihar’s farmers gain from modern practices, cooperative efficiency, and government‑backed schemes.
Profile of Shirsat Kapil Ashok
IAS Batch & Cadre: 2011, Bihar
Current Roles: Secretary, Department of Dairy, Fisheries, and Animal Resources, Government of Bihar; Co‑Chairman, COMFED; Managing Director, Bihar State Road Development Corporation
Education: B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering from MPKV, Rahuri; M.Sc in Natural Agriculture from IARI, Delhi
Languages: English, Marathi, Hindi
Date of Birth: 6 September 1982
His academic foundation in agriculture and natural sciences, combined with extensive administrative experience, makes him a valuable addition to the NDDB Board. His leadership is expected to benefit the dairy sector, empower farmers, and strengthen the cooperative ecosystem in Bihar and across India.
